National Espresso Day in Italy

Almost no one knows it, but in Italy April 17 is the only holiday dedicated to espresso coffee. We forget about it perhaps because we are used to celebrating our beloved coffee at the bar every morning, then also after lunch and even after dinner. Abroad, however, they remember it all right and use this occasion as an opportunity to promote Italian espresso and educate about its consumption.

This is a recent tradition (promoted since 2009) for a drink that is consumed every day at the rate of 70 million cups but to which, perhaps, not enough attention is paid.

Very often you can tell if an espresso is good even without trying it. Just look at the cleanliness of the machine and grinder, which should be perfectly tidy, and observe whether the barista completely empties the portafilter from the already used coffee. Cups should never be stacked on top of the machine, but arranged in no more than two rows so that they are all hot when espresso is served.