# Crema

/ˈkreɪmə/ (US) · /ˈkremə/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crema
Updated: 2026-09-20

## Definition

a thin layer of golden-brown foam that sits on top of a freshly made cup of espresso coffee

For teachers: a dense, creamy emulsion of coffee oils and carbon dioxide that forms a distinctive reddish-brown froth on the surface of a properly extracted espresso.

## Examples

- The coffee looks delicious because it has a thick crema on top.
- The barista explained that a rich, marbled crema is often a sign of high-quality, freshly roasted beans.
- The stability and persistence of the crema serve as vital indicators of the extraction pressure and the freshness of the roasted blend.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.