Tamping Pressure
Detailed Explanation:
Consistent tamping pressure… typically around 30 pounds of force, ensures that the water flows evenly through the coffee grounds during extraction.
Uneven or weak tamping can create channels and result in under-extracted espresso with a sour taste.
Professional baristas often use calibrated tampers that “click” at the right pressure.
While technique matters, small variations aren’t as important as consistency from shot to shot… that’s the real secret to a reliable espresso.