National Espresso Day: A Celebration of Liquid Gold
Espresso, the concentrated form of coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, is celebrated annually as a tribute to this beloved beverage that has revolutionized coffee culture worldwide.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: November 23rd annually
- Tagged as: Coffee Holiday, Food & Beverage Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalEspressoDay
- When was it founded?: While the exact founding date is unclear, it commemorates the first espresso machine patent in 1884
- Who founded it?: The origin is uncertain, but it honors Angelo Moriondo’s first espresso machine invention
History of National Espresso Day
The celebration traces back to honoring the invention of the first espresso machine in Turin, Italy. Angelo Moriondo patented his steam-driven “instantaneous” coffee-making device in 1884, revolutionizing how coffee would be consumed forever. Luigi Bezzera later improved upon this design in 1901, creating the first commercially successful espresso machine.
Timeline
- 1884: First espresso machine patent by Angelo Moriondo
- 1901: Luigi Bezzera improves the design
- 1905: First commercial espresso machine by La Pavoni
- 1927: First espresso machine in the USA
- 1938: Introduction of the piston pump machine
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 23 | Saturday |
| 2025 | November 23 | Sunday |
| 2026 | November 23 | Monday |
Observed
National Espresso Day is primarily celebrated in the United States, though espresso enthusiasts worldwide participate in the festivities.
Fun Facts About Espresso
- A properly pulled espresso shot has 132 pounds of pressure per square inch
- The crema should last 3-5 minutes on a quality espresso
- Italian law regulates espresso preparation
- Espresso contains more caffeine per ounce than regular coffee
- The word “espresso” means “pressed out” in Italian
Quiz
- Who invented the first espresso machine?
- What year was the first espresso machine installed in the USA?
- How many pounds of pressure are used in making espresso?
(Answers: 1. Angelo Moriondo, 2. 1927, 3. 132 psi)
FAQs
Q: Is espresso stronger than coffee?
A: Per ounce, yes, but a typical serving contains less caffeine than a cup of drip coffee.
Q: Why does espresso have crema?
A: Crema forms from the emulsification of coffee oils under pressure.
Importance of National Espresso Day
This celebration highlights espresso’s cultural impact, recognizes its technological innovation, and brings together coffee enthusiasts worldwide to appreciate this concentrated form of coffee that has become the foundation of modern coffee culture.
Related
- International Coffee Day
- National Cappuccino Day
- National Barista Day
- Italian Heritage Month
- National Caffeine Awareness Month