The origins of espresso can be traced back to Italy in the early 20th century. The term “espresso” comes from Italian and means “expressed” or “pressed out,” referring to the way espresso is made by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. This method was developed and popularized in Italy, revolutionizing the way coffee was made and consumed. The invention of the first true espresso machine is credited to Luigi Bezzera in 1901, with subsequent improvements by other Italian inventors like Desiderio Pavoni. This innovation made it possible to prepare coffee quickly and to a high standard, laying the foundation for the espresso culture that is widespread today.