What Is Lungo: A lungo stretches out the standard espresso by doubling the water used, resulting in a “long shot.” With more water pulled through the grounds, the lungo has a mellower coffee taste than a concentrated shot. But it also extracts some deeper, more bitter notes in its extended profile.
Don’t confuse the lungo with an Americano. While both are watered-down espressos, an Americano simply dilutes a regular shot with added hot water afterward. The lungo directly extracts more from the grounds with additional water upfront.
So in summary, the lungo diverges from a standard espresso by deliberately using extra water when pulling the shot. This results in a milder but more multidimensional espresso experience. It’s an intentional variation in preparation, not just a diluted espresso like the Americano.
Where Does Lungo Come From?
Like many espresso classics, the lungo hails from Italy. As its Italian moniker implies, “lungo” means “long” – referring to the extra shot volume compared to a standard espresso.
This elongated pull gained fame through Starbucks‘ “long shot” and widespread use in Nespresso single-serve machines. Nespresso’s lungo setting extracts more water from capsules, while specialized Gran Lungo pods brew an even larger sized lungo.
Thanks to its Italian origins and modern popularization by Starbucks and Nespresso, the once obscure lungo now enjoys broad recognition. While lengthening the espresso pour was initially an Italian technique, this “long shot” has become globally known through commercialization. Next time you utilize the lungo options on your home or coffee shop’s espresso machine, you can appreciate the global journey of this
How Do You Prepare A Lungo (Aka Long Shot Espresso)?
Here is how I would rewrite that paragraph:
Brewing a lungo uses a similar method to espresso, only with an extended extraction time.
You’ll need:
- Espresso machine
- 20g coffee beans, ground slightly coarser than espresso
- Coffee grinder, scale
- Portafilter
Steps:
- Grind beans slightly coarser than espresso consistency.
- Fill portafilter with 20g grounds, tamp firmly.
- Insert portafilter and start extraction.
- Continue pulling shot until you reach 3-4 oz or around 35-40 seconds.
For Nespresso machines, simply insert a capsule and press the lungo button for automated extraction. The longer brewing time and additional water produce the signature mellow, multidimensional lungo flavor profile.
Lungo Vs Americano
Here is one way I could rewrite that paragraph for greater clarity:
The key difference between a lungo and an Americano lies in the preparation method.
A lungo pulls a double volume of water through the espresso grounds directly. You make an Americano by first extracting a regular espresso shot, then diluting it with added hot water after.
This means a lungo extract’s more coffee flavor compounds with its extended pour, while an Americano simply waters down the shot afterward.
Serving sizes also differ – a lungo clocks in around 3-4 oz, whereas an Americano is larger at 6-8 oz.
So in summary, the lungo and Americano diverge in brewing process and flavor profile despite both being watered-down espressos. The lungo extracts extra from the grounds, while the Americano dilutes after. Keep this key distinction in mind when preparing these two similar yet distinct coffee drinks!
Lungo Vs Espresso
Here is one way I could rewrite that paragraph for greater clarity:
The lungo differs from a standard espresso in the extra water used and the resulting flavor profile. While using the same finely ground coffee, a lungo pulls with more water for an extended brew time.
This prolonged extraction draws out more nuanced tastes like caramel and nuts inherent in the coffee. But it also enhances natural bitterness. The additional water contact time produces a mellower yet more multidimensional coffee that isn’t as concentrated.
That extended brewing also extracts slightly more caffeine from the grounds. So the lungo offers a bit of an extra caffeine kick over a normal espresso shot. Don’t confuse the lungo with a doppio, which contains two full espresso shots instead of one lengthened pull.
In summary, the lungo diverges from espresso through its deliberate use of additional water to create a different flavor experience – less potent but with more complexity and subtle coffee notes emerging. The extended pour transforms espresso into a milder but more nuanced long shot.
Lungo Vs Ristretto
Lungo and ristretto represent espresso’s opposite ends of the spectrum. A ristretto minimizes water for a potent, condensed espresso. Meanwhile a lungo maximizes water for a delicate, nuanced shot.
Specifically, a ristretto uses half the water of a normal espresso pull. Conversely, the lungo doubles the water volume. This directly impacts concentration and flavor.
The ristretto’s tight pull extracts intensely concentrated coffee with less acidity. The lungo’s prolonged pour creates a mellower, sweeter taste highlighting nuances like caramel and nuts. It also enhances bitterness slightly.
Their differing water amounts also affect caffeine levels. The lungo’s extended brew time extracts a bit more caffeine from the grounds.
So in short, ristretto and lungo showcase espresso’s versatility – from short, powerful shots to lengthened mild brews, all from the same beans. The choice between these two coffee classics depends on your desired intensity and flavor.
FAQS:
