Lungo coffee: features and secrets of cooking
Coffee has many beneficial properties. First of all, it is the effect of vigor that it has on the body.Today there are a large number of different coffee drinks, each of which has its own taste characteristics and properties. This article will discuss the features and secrets of making lungo coffee.
What it is?
Lungo is a coffee drink that is prepared in a similar way as an espresso, therefore, is considered its kind. This drink is made with the help of a coffee machine from ground coffee beans.
Compared to other types of coffee, lungo has a larger volume. This is due to the fact that for its preparation it is necessary to take more water than, for example, for brewing espresso. The output is rich in caffeine, strong and aromatic coffee with pronounced bitterness in taste.
Longo drink comes from Italy. Its name comes from the word lungo, (in translation it means “long”). This term describes some features of the preparation of the drink. Unlike espresso, lungo prepares for a longer time, with plenty of water. This drink is made about one minute. During this time, 70 ml of water passes through the coffee beans under pressure.
Benefit and harm
Lungo has the same beneficial properties as other coffee drinks. However, this coffee has some differences. First of all, this is an increased caffeine content, which can be considered both a virtue and a disadvantage. Consume lungo recommended in the morning (no later than 11 hours). Drink perfectly invigorates, and also increases brain activity.
However, excessive use or acceptance of such coffee before bedtime can cause insomnia. In addition, the use of lungo in large quantities can adversely affect the cardiovascular system. With caution it is necessary to drink the drink for people with a disease of the digestive system.
Lungo favorably affects the digestive system, improving its work, but on condition that there are no such diseases as gastritis or stomach ulcer. The drink contains a large amount of antioxidants that destroy free radicals in the body.
Differences from espresso
These coffee drinks differ in cooking technology. The subtleties of brewing coffee affect its taste and composition. In terms of caffeine content, lungo is significantly superior to espresso. This feature is achieved through the cooking process, during which more caffeine and other substances are released from the grains, which add bitterness to the drink.
Another important difference between these types of coffee drinks is the serving volume. The size of one cup of espresso does not exceed 35 ml, and lungo is served in the amount of 60-70 ml per serving. As for taste, espresso has it more saturated. However, lungo contains more caffeine.
What is the difference with American?
Classic Americano is an espresso mixed with extra hot or cold water. In terms of volume, the US is similar to lungo, but this is their only common feature. With regards to taste and composition - these are completely different drinks.
Since the bulk of the liquid is poured into the espresso after it has been prepared, the resulting americano is not strong. Thanks to the addition of water, the drink becomes not only less strong, but also loses bitterness on the palate. Lungo compared to US is more tart in taste, and also has a greater strength.
Recipes
Despite the fact that the process of cooking lungo should occur according to certain standard rules, there are several options for preparing this drink. Standardly from 7 to 10 g of ground coffee is taken for one portion. Cooking time can be one minute or a little less, which will affect the taste.
Classical
A real lungo coffee is considered to be a drink prepared according to a classic recipe.To obtain such a composition, you will need 10 grams of milled grains and from 80 to 100 ml of water. The number of components required is indicated per one serving.
Ground grain must be placed in the coffee machine. Water is poured into the appropriate tank, after which the cooking mode must be set to the device. Cooking time should be about 50-60 seconds.
If the coffee machine is not equipped with the function of cooking "lungo", then in this case it is necessary to prepare the drink in the "espresso" mode, twice pouring water to the desired amount.
Australian
Australian drink is the author's variation of cooking lungo. The amount of water per serving remains unchanged compared with the classic version. The difference is only in the ground coffee and the brewing time. In this case, the roasting of coffee beans should be light and the grinding should be fine.
The cooking time of the Australian lungo should be no more than half a minute. The resulting coffee must be filtered. Thus, the drink will turn out without unnecessary impurities. It is recommended to drink such coffee a little chilled, which will allow to better reveal its taste characteristics.
Cold
Lungo coffee can be served not only hot but also cold. Only for the preparation of such a drink will require additional components. First, you need to prepare lungo using classical technology at the rate of 10 g of coffee and 100 ml of water per serving. In this case, for serving, you need to use a non-heated mug with thick walls, and a glass. Sugar is added to the drink, then everything is mixed well. The amount of sugar will depend on a person’s personal taste preferences.
When sugar is completely dissolved in hot coffee, 3 ice cubes should be put in a glass. To improve the taste and beautiful supply to the drink, milk beaten in foam is added. The foam can be further decorated with chocolate crumb or ground cinnamon. Cold lungo is best to drink in hot weather, as it helps to cope with thirst.
How to serve and drink?
In addition to the special technology of preparation, there are some rules for the supply and use of lungo. As for time, then drink this coffee is better in the morning. Italians use this drink at the very beginning of the day to cheer up and recharge themselves with the necessary energy.
Lungo is served in cups from 120 to 180 ml. Before pouring the drink into the dishes, it is necessary to heat it up a little. This can be done by pouring boiling water over a cup or holding it over the steam. It is also necessary that the thickness of the walls of the dishes was quite large. This will allow the drink for a long time not to cool in the cup.
The main difference between lungo and other coffee drinks is the increased caffeine content. For this reason, it is not customary to dilute such coffee with water or milk in order not to reduce its strength.
To soften the taste of the drink and reduce bitterness, you can add sugar or honey.
Useful recommendations
To make a good lungo, you need to find the right coffee beans. It is best to choose varieties that have a delicate taste and smell. It is necessary to use only freshly ground coffee, therefore it is necessary to grind the grains before preparing the drink, and not beforehand.
Particular attention should be paid to the size of the milled particles. In this case, the grinding should be larger than that taken for the preparation of espresso. Fine grinding will give a burnt taste. The particles should be of the middle fraction, since large particles will not allow to get a drink of the desired taste. For cooking a drink, you need to use a French press or a coffee maker. In the usual Turk, mug or saucepan to prepare such a drink will not work. This is due to the required technology of preparation (water must gradually pass through the ground coffee).
A great influence on the taste of the drink has a water quality. It is not recommended to dial it from the tap. It is best to use filtered or spring water.
You will learn more about lungo coffee from the following video.