Lungo: when espresso takes a bigger leap

“Lungo: where the espresso unfolds and reveals its full character with every sip.”

A first encounter with lungo

Lungo is an espresso that is taking a bigger step and becoming increasingly popular among coffee-loving Swedes. Unlike a regular espresso, where the focus has often been on intensity and depth, lungo allows us to explore something gentler and more nuanced. Historically, coffee culture in Sweden has been about filling the cup, more coffee than concentration, but with a growing curiosity towards quality and international influences – especially from Italy – the scene is now changing.

But how does a lungo differ from its close relatives? Well, while a standard espresso prides itself on its compact volume and powerful flavor, the lungo takes a more relaxed stance. A lungo simply allows more water to flow through the carefully ground coffee, extending the brewing time and creating a larger quantity of coffee. And unlike an americano, where hot water is added to the pre-brewed espresso to soften the flavor, the lungo retains some of the intensity of the espresso while offering a smoother experience.

How lungo is made

Brewing a lungo is an art that requires precision. Start with your espresso machine and use the same amount of ground coffee as you would for a regular espresso. The difference comes in the brewing time and the amount of water. For a lungo, you need to let the machine work for about 40 seconds, which compares to a standard espresso’s quick 20-30 seconds.

It is during this extended brewing that the water has the opportunity to both extract more flavor and also create a larger quantity of beverage. Lungo usually gives us 50-70 ml of coffee, which is a marked increase from the 30 ml or so that defines an espresso. Now, when you decide to make the leap to lungo, it’s this combination of longer brewing time and greater water volume that will give you a well-balanced and flavorful cup of coffee.

The golden rule – brewing time

When we talk about lungo, we inevitably talk about the brewing time. This is because it is crucial to the final taste. A slow and methodical flow of water through the coffee allows flavors and oils to be released and integrated into the drink, revealing the character of the lungon. It’s about finding the perfect harmony between strength and softness, where every second counts. The brewing time is the golden rule that defines not only the volume of the coffee drink, but also its complexity and level of bitterness.

The role of water quantity

Once we understand the importance of time, we also need to assess the impact of water quantity. A lungo, in its essence, is about allowing more water than usual to pass through the coffee cake. It creates a more drawn-out and water-thin coffee experience compared to the concentrated espresso. But it’s not just the quantity of water that matters, but also its quality and temperature. Soft, clean water at the right temperature helps bring out the delicate flavor nuances of your lungo, which is essential for a perfect tasting experience.

A taste experience in balance

Coffee lovers around the world are constantly searching for the perfect balanced coffee. And many find that lungo is just that compromise. Its flavor profile differs from both the robust espresso and the milder americano. Lungon proudly stands in the middle, not only in strength but also in depth of flavor. It’s intense enough to stimulate without overwhelming, and round enough in flavor to welcome those who prefer a softer coffee cut.

Unlike ristretto, which further minimizes the amount of water and creates an almost black coffee elixir, lungo offers a more restrained intensity and a greater space for the subtle flavors found in the coffee bean to emerge. It is a perfect centerpiece for those looking for a powerful flavor without committing to the full depth of espresso.

Why lungo could be your new favorite coffee

Personal experience speaks for itself when it comes to coffee. As a coffee enthusiast, I have explored many different brewing methods and flavors, but always returned to the lungo. It contains a complexity that can be easily adjusted with the amount of water and brewing time. Lungon can suit both the morning need for a sharper wake-up and the afternoon craving for a more relaxed coffee moment. This makes it a versatile favorite that can change character from day to day, or even cup to cup.

Make your own lungo at home

Brewing a lungo at home is easier than you might think. The first thing you need is a reliable espresso machine that allows you to control both water volume and brewing time. Use high-quality coffee beans, preferably freshly ground for best results. The amount of coffee should be the same as for an espresso, around 7-9 grams, but your brewing time extends to 40 seconds, giving you that extra water that defines a lungo.

To adjust and find your personal favorite, you can experiment with the brewing time and the amount of water. You may find that a few seconds more or less, or a gram of coffee here or there, can make a big difference. Making a lungo at home is all about fine-tuning these parameters until you reach your perfect cup balance.

The importance of the coffee bean

The coffee bean is the essence of all coffee drinks and lungo is no exception. To achieve an optimal taste experience, the choice of coffee bean is fundamental. Different beans have different flavor profiles; some are fruity and light, while others are dark and robust. For a lungo, a well-balanced blend is often recommended, which can add both body and complexity as more water passes through the coffee. Experimenting with different coffee beans is exciting and can lead to impressive results in the search for your ultimate lungo.

Boo or baa with lungo

Lungon has many reasons for its growing following in Sweden. As a milder alternative to traditional espresso, it has the ability to convince even those who are normally hesitant about stronger coffee. Its ability to adapt to individual taste preferences and to easily vary in strength makes it a versatile and accessible drink. The larger volume also satisfies Swedes’ long-standing habit of enjoying more coffee per occasion.

But there are also those who may not prefer lungo because of misconceptions about its taste or strength. A common concern is that it may taste diluted or weak compared to a pure espresso. However, this can be easily corrected by adjusting the brewing parameters and thus the flavor profile of the beverage. The truth is that lungo can be both deep and rich, depending on how you brew it.

Time for lungo in Swedish coffee culture

The lungo is playing an increasingly important role in Swedish coffee culture. With an increased interest in quality and flavor diversity, more coffee lovers across the country are looking for alternatives to the usual brewed coffee. “Lungon is a coffee revolution, a bridge between tradition and modernity,” says one esteemed coffee connoisseur. The continued popularization of lungo is predicted to bring a wave of curiosity and knowledge-seeking about coffee in general.

It is precisely this mix of tradition and openness to new ideas that makes lungo so exciting. Swedes have experienced Italian coffee on espresso and cappuccino, but now it is the lighter, yet flavorful lungo that captures the interest. Its presence in cafés and in homes is proof of a maturing of Swedish coffee tasters and a step towards a richer coffee culture.

Final thoughts on lungo

Lungo may well be the perfect compromise for all of us who love coffee. It combines the powerful nuances of espresso with a lighter and more accessible character, contributing to a genuinely versatile coffee drink. Sweden’s coffee lovers are known for their love of cup after cup of good coffee, and lungo gives them the opportunity to experience something new without losing the feel and volume they appreciate.

If you’re a keen coffee lover but haven’t yet explored lungo, it’s time to get started. Make this Italian-inspired brew part of your daily ritual and let your taste buds be the judge. Lungon’s days are here to stay, and the future of coffee looks as bright as its golden crema.

FAQ – Lungo: when espresso takes a bigger leap

What is the main difference between a lungo and a regular espresso?

The main difference between a lungo and a regular espresso is that the lungo allows more water to flow through the coffee, resulting in an extended brewing time of about 40 seconds and a larger amount of finished coffee, often between 50-70 ml. This creates a smoother taste experience than the intense, concentrated flavor of a standard espresso.

How does a longer brewing time affect the taste of a lungo?

Longer brewing time allows the water to extract more flavors and oils from the coffee, giving the lungo its special character. A well-balanced combination of strength and smoothness is achieved, allowing the subtle flavor nuances of the coffee beans to emerge and create a more complex and less bitter coffee drink compared to a short-brewed espresso.

Can I make a lungo with my regular espresso machine at home?

Yes, you can brew a lungo at home with a regular espresso machine. Use the same amount of ground coffee as for an espresso, but let the machine run for about 40 seconds to get the increased volume of water that characterizes a lungo. Experiment with the brewing time to fine-tune your coffee to your taste.

Is lungo a good middle ground for those who find espresso too strong?

Yes, lungo is a great middle ground for those who find a pure espresso too strong, but still want to keep some of its intensity. It is softer than an espresso but retains more body and flavor than an americano thanks to the fact that it does not add hot water after the espresso is brewed, making it an appealing option for many coffee enthusiasts.

What type of coffee beans are best to use for a lungo?

To brew a perfect lungo, a well-balanced coffee blend is recommended that can handle the larger amount of water without losing complexity in the flavor profile. The best thing is to experiment with different beans to discover which flavor profile best complements your personal preference for a lungo.

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