Last Updated on October 12, 2022 by Timothy Byron Smith
Wait, are espresso around the world dying and you don’t even know? If you drink espresso frequently you probably know what we’re going on about, but if not, you must be wondering what is a dead espresso shot? Don’t worry, it’s probably nothing as bad as you think!
A dead espresso shot is a myth. However, this particular myth has some truth about it too! Find out everything about the dead espresso shot right here. What makes it die and how can you save it? Or is it even a real thing? You’ll need to scroll further to know!
What is a Dead Espresso Shot?
The concept of a dead shot emerges from the ten-second rule taught to baristas in coffee shops. The rule implies that an espresso shot should be served within ten seconds of pulling it. After this, the shot died, meaning, it became undrinkable.
A dead shot refers to an espresso shot devoid of its warmth and flavors. It’s stale and, as believed and claimed by many, not worth consuming. It is believed to taste absolutely awful. But is there any truth to this claim?
Absolutely not! A waiter could take ten seconds to bring your espresso from the counter to your table. Should you be returning every shot then? No, that’s right! The idea of a dead shot is flawed and there is no factual evidence to back it up. Still, there is truth in the fact that your espresso shot alters the longer you make it wait.
Factors That Affect the Health of an Espresso Shot
While there’s no truth to espresso shots being dead or expiring per se, however, they can change in flavor. But do they become bad for consumption? Nope! These are some factors that affect your espresso shot and its flavors.
Time
Different components of a coffee are released at various stages after the shot is pulled. As time goes by, your espresso will not only become cold but the intensity and variety of its flavors will change.
However, this does not mean your coffee has gone bad. Or the espresso shot is dead. You can still drink the espresso and enjoy the strong flavors. Obviously, an espresso shot straight from the espresso machine will taste different from a shot that has been sitting on your table for a few minutes.
In fact, even if your espresso shot has been sitting for 3 to 4 hours, it’s still good for consumption. Again, we emphasize that it’ll taste different, definitely. But, it’ll still have some flavors left if they interest your pallet.
Espresso Crema
Coffee purists arguing for the ridiculous ten seconds rule base their logic on the espresso crema. The crema is known to protect the espresso from reacting with the air which causes changes in the flavor.
The crema of the espresso itself takes up to 3 minutes to disappear. Even if one insists that espresso goes stale once the cream disappears, you still have three minutes! Don’t rush and please save your mouths from burning! Espresso is meant to be enjoyed, not forced into you.
In truth, the staleness of your shot has nothing to do with the crema anyway. Even if the crema disappears, your shot is just as good and flavorful.
Temperature
Espresso shots are pulled in very small quantities. A single shot only has an ounce of espresso. Because of this small quantity it has less mass, and compared to regular coffee it goes cold faster.
This is frequently confused by espresso drinkers as a ‘dead shot.’ Espresso shots may go cold faster than your regular coffee, but that in no way means it’s expired or gone bad. Since we’re so used to drinking espresso hot, the cold experience isn’t preferred. However, many people like to cool their shots before drinking.
Your cold espresso shot will taste different as different flavors are released or intensified as it cools. For someone who loves their espresso shot, it may not taste good but for others, it may be just the kind of espresso they want. It’s really about the flavors of espresso you personally love.
Oxidation
Oxidation is the process that involves a substance’s reaction to oxygen. It’s what makes our food go stale. So, with coffee too, as it reacts with oxygen its composition changes which cause a change in its taste of it.
Once again, this doesn’t imply the espresso shot is dead as soon as it comes in contact with air. Even for brewed coffee, the time frame for consumption allows up to thirty minutes before it’s pronounced ‘going stale.’ So, you have ample time to drink espresso with leisure and pleasure.
FAQS
1. How long does the espresso crema last?
The espresso crema is the golden foam that sits at the top of your espresso shot. It takes between one and three minutes to completely disappear. The crema is not responsible for the flavor but rather for the aroma of the espresso shot.
2. What happens when an espresso shot dies?
A ‘dead shot’ of espresso, in simpler terms, is a stale shot of espresso. It means the espresso shot has gone cold and has a different taste compared to the fresh shot of espresso. You can expect to taste harsher flavors, bittersweetness, and more acidity.
3. Why does some espresso crema last longer?
Some espresso shots have more crema than the others. This depends on the kind of coffee beans used to prepare the espresso shot. Dark roast beans tend to make more crema which means it takes longer to disappear.
4. How can you use a dead espresso shot?
Even if you’ve pronounced your espresso shot dead, or it has actually gone stale after many hours, it is still not useless. You can use your dead espresso shot as the base for your milk beverages like a latte. Trust us, it will taste just as amazing!
Conclusion!
The bottom line is, now that you know what a dead espresso shot is, please don’t be quick to pronounce your espresso shots dead. Just because they are cold or have been sitting in front of you for a few minutes doesn’t mean they have expired. It’s a myth!
We believe in screwing our myths and brewing our espresso! So, enjoy that shot of espresso, sip as slowly as you want, blow on it if you like, and savor every last bit of it without any fear that it will die! You deserve it!