Beyond the Golden Foam: The Truth About Crema

Picture this: you’re at your favourite café, waiting for that first espresso of the day. The barista pulls the shot, and a rich, golden crema crowns the cup. It looks perfect, the kind of espresso that deserves a slow clap.

But here’s the twist: that golden layer isn’t always the mark of greatness. Welcome to the world of crema drama, where what you see isn’t always what you taste.

What Exactly Is Crema?

Crema is that caramel-coloured foam resting atop a freshly pulled espresso. It’s formed when coffee oils emulsify with carbon dioxide under pressure. To the untrained eye, it’s a sign of freshness and quality.

In truth, crema is more of a clue than a conclusion. While a silky, even crema can indicate a well-extracted espresso, it can just as easily hide a few brewing sins beneath the surface.

The Crema Trap

A common belief is that thicker crema equals better coffee. Not quite.
A dense crema can point to over extraction or a heavy use of Robusta beans, known for their strong body and higher caffeine content.

At Wolff Coffee Roasters, we respect Robusta for what it can bring to a blend, but our focus is balance. Each of our coffees is carefully sourced and crafted to highlight clarity, sweetness, and texture, revealing the true essence of the bean rather than hiding behind a layer of foam.

The Science of the Shot

Temperature, pressure, and precision are the silent heroes behind every espresso. Raise the brewing temperature too high, and you’ll certainly get more crema, but you’ll also invite bitterness to the party.

That’s why our training and roasting philosophy are grounded in control and consistency. We empower baristas and café owners to understand the why behind every shot, building a culture of curiosity, skill, and respect for the craft.

Freshness Matters

Freshly roasted coffee releases carbon dioxide, which fuels crema formation. But too fresh, and your espresso can become gassy and uneven, all show, no balance.

That’s why we let our coffee rest after roasting, allowing the flavours to settle and harmonise. The result is a cup that’s as expressive and nuanced as the people who drink it.

Look Deeper Than the Crema

A great espresso isn’t defined by its surface. It’s a full symphony of aroma, flavour, and texture working in perfect rhythm.

So next time you sip your espresso, pause for a moment. Appreciate the layers of work, science, and heart that go into creating that experience.

At Wolff Coffee Roasters, we’re here for those who look beyond the surface, the cafés, baristas, and home brewers who value substance over spectacle.
Our beans are roasted with integrity, sourced responsibly, and designed to help you craft coffee that speaks louder than its crema.

Ready to explore the depths of coffee beyond the golden foam?
Visit our website or stop by one of our partner cafés to experience the Wolff difference.

Let’s brew a better world together, one espresso at a time.