Last Updated on May 10, 2023 by Timothy Byron Smith
If you own a Nespresso machine, then you are probably familiar with the different coffee varieties available through Nespresso. One of these types is the lungo Nespresso coffee, which offers a unique taste and brewing method.
In this guide, we will explain what is lungo Nespresso and how it differs from regular espresso.
What is Lungo Nespresso?
A Nespresso lungo is made from a type of coffee capsule designed to produce a longer coffee drink with a fuller taste and a milder flavor than an espresso. “Lungo” is Italian for “long,” and a lungo is often referred to as a “stretched coffee.”
The coffee is extracted from the capsule in the same way as an espresso, under high pressure, but with more water passing through the grounds to fill up more of the cup.
Nespresso offers several types of lungo capsules with different flavor profiles and intensities. The Fortissio Lungo is the strongest in the range with an intensity rating of 7, followed by the Vivalto Lungo with a rating of 4 and the Linizio Lungo with a rating of 2.
| Name | Nespresso Lungo | Roast Level | Capsule Type | Capsules Count | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nespresso Vienna Linizio Lungo Capsules |   | Medium Roast | OriginalLine | Check Price | |
| Nespresso Tokyo Vivalto Lungo Capsules |   | Medium Roast | OriginalLine | Check Price | |
| Nespresso Stockholm Fortissio Lungo Capsules |   | Dark Roast | OriginalLine | Check Price |
Characteristics of a Lungo Nespresso Shot
A lungo shot will have the following characteristics:
- Nespresso Lungo cup size is around 110 ml (3.75 oz) compared to an espresso shot of 40 ml (1.3 oz)
- Milder flavor with less intensity than an espresso shot
- Slightly bitter taste due to the longer brewing time
- Richer aroma than an Americano coffee drink
- A good amount of crema on top, as long as it’s brewed correctly
How to Make Perfect Lungo Nespresso
To make a perfect lungo Nespresso at home, follow these steps:
- Ensure that you have enough water in your Nespresso machine’s reservoir.
- Place a Lungo capsule in your machine and choose the Lungo option on the brewing menu.
- Press the Lungo button to start the extraction process. This should take around 45-60 seconds.
- Once your lungo shot is ready, pour it into a larger cup and enjoy.
For best results, always use fresh water and ensure that you descale the Nespresso coffee machine to maintain the quality of your coffee.
Benefits of Drinking Lungo Nespresso
Lungo Nespresso coffee has several benefits, including:
- It has a milder and less intense flavor compared to other coffee options, making it perfect for those who prefer a less bitter taste.
- Lungo Nespresso contains more water, which can help prevent dehydration and improve digestion.
- For those who need a quick energy boost, lungo Nespresso can be an effective pick-me-up due to its caffeine content.
- Since it is quick and easy to make, lungo Nespresso can save time during hectic mornings.
Lungo Nespresso Vs American Drip Coffee
When comparing Lungo Nespresso to American drip coffee, there are several key differences.
| Lungo Nespresso | American Coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Hot water passed through coffee grounds for a long duration | Hot water is simply poured over ground beans |
| Caffeine Content | Contains more caffeine due to the longer brewing time | It may contain less caffeine depending on the serving size |
| Taste | Milder taste and is more diluted than American Coffee | Bolder taste and stronger taste than Lungo Nespresso |
Tips to Enjoy Your Lungo Nespresso
To best enjoy your lungo Nespresso, consider the following:
- Serve it in a larger cup in order to preserve the crema that forms during the brewing process
- Consider adding milk or sugar as desired
- Pair your lungo drink with a breakfast pastry or snack for the ultimate indulgence
Can You Make a Lungo Using an Espresso Capsule?
It’s important to note that you should not make an espresso using a lungo capsule or vice versa. The coffee blends and their respective flavors are put together in a Nespresso capsule specifically with extraction time in mind.
Extracting an espresso capsule super slowly and with more water will just result in a weak, over-extracted espresso that won’t taste like it is intended. Similarly, it would be impossible to extract the full flavors of a lungo from an espresso capsule by extracting it under higher pressure and for a shorter period of time.
Conclusion
Lungo Nespresso is an ideal coffee option for Nespresso machine owners who want to explore something new and less intense. Not only does it have unique characteristics, but it can also offer numerous benefits – including improved digestion and a quick energy boost.
By following the above steps, you can easily make the perfect lungo Nespresso from the comfort of your home. Give it a try and enjoy!
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