What is tamp?

Tamp is a term that refers to the process of compressing or packing down loose material or powder. It is often used in the context of making coffee, where a tamp is used to press ground coffee beans into a compact puck shape before brewing. The tamp can be made of various materials, such as plastic, metal, or wood, and comes in different sizes to fit different espresso machine portafilters. Proper tamping is important to ensure even extraction of flavors and crema in the espresso shot.