An Americano is made by pouring hot water over a shot of espresso in a 1:2 ratio

Americano

also known as Cafè Americano

What is an Americano?

An Americano is made by pouring hot water over a shot of espresso in a 1:2 ratio (1 part espresso to 2 parts hot water). The result is coffee of the same intensity as filtered coffee but with a much more concentrated and flavorful taste. The ratio of the water to espresso might change depending on the region where it’s made.

  • This coffee drink also has a top layer of crema, which is foam from the coffee bean oil that comes out when making espresso.
  • However, in Italy, an Americano could mean both espresso with hot water and filtered coffee.

Americanos are one of the top 10 most popular coffees around the world. 

  1. Espresso
  2. Cappuccino 
  3. Cortado
  4. Turkish Coffee
  5. Ristretto
  6. Irish Coffee
  7. Café au Lait 
  8. Flat White 
  9. Caffè Americano
  10. Frappé

Origin of americano

While coffee drinking originated in the Middle East sometime in the 15th century, it would become very popular in Europe by the 19th century. However, brewing was a long and tiresome process and European inventors tried to find a way around it. Many machines were invented but the espresso machine we know today was first invented in Italy by Angelo Moriondo of Turin, Italy. He received the patent for it in 1884. Caffè Americanos were invented when US troops in World War II discovered espresso. They couldn’t relate to the strength of the espresso coffee and added hot water, thus inventing the Americano.

Commercial production

Most cafés use professional espresso machines to prepare Americanos. Hot water and coffee grounds need to be put into the machine in proper proportion. Once the espresso is made, more hot water is added. Each café will have its own unique espresso-to-water ratio, depending on local tastes. 

Nutrition

This drink contains caffeine, which provides an instant buzz. High doses of caffeine, however, can lead to heart problems, as well as palpitations, high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, heart attacks, etc. However, research suggests that caffeine might be able to protect against mental illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Regular caffeine intake might also improve erectile dysfunction. Americanos contain high levels of antioxidants, which help prevent certain types of cancer and regulate insulin levels. 

Americano recipes

An Americano can be twisted slightly to provide different flavors to the coffee. Here are a few recipes to try out.

FDA regulations

The USDA regulates the production of coffee beans. It is also involved in the import of coffee from other coffee-producing countries. Some aspects of the processing of coffee beans come under the purview of the FDA regulations. The processing of green coffee beans, such as the roasting, grinding, and packaging phases are strictly regulated. These products are also checked to ensure they do not contain allergens or pose a health hazard. 

References

Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-buzz-about-caffeine-and-health

Rob Harbin, Coffee or Die, A Brief History of the Americano Coffee Drink
https://coffeeordie.com/americano-coffee-history/