What are the best beans to use for lungo coffee?
There is no single best bean for lungo. A lungo is a longer espresso, and coffee guides say its flavor depends on the coffee type and roast, so choose by taste. As general advice, not an official rule, a balanced medium to medium-dark espresso blend is a low-risk first try. Adjust the grind if the cup is bitter or thin.
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In this article
What beans are best for lungo?
A lungo is an espresso pulled longer, with more water through the same coffee. Home Grounds, a coffee guide, does not name specific beans and says flavor depends on the coffee type and roast, so choose by taste. A lungo tastes less sweet and has more bitterness and acidity than espresso, so a balanced medium to medium-dark espresso blend is a sensible first try. That is general advice, not an official rule.
What is a lungo?
The word means long in Italian. A single lungo starts with about 10 g of coffee and yields roughly 2 to 3 oz, taking around 40 to 60 seconds, per one guide. Nespresso lungo capsules are about 3.7 oz. Compared with espresso it is milder and less sweet, with more bitterness and acidity.
How to grind and brew it
- Grind: one guide suggests slightly coarser than espresso; adjust by taste.
- Dose: keep the same dose as for espresso; a lungo adds water, not coffee.
- Time: longer than a standard shot. If you weigh output, a double can be stopped around 80 g of liquid.
How to choose beans
- A medium or medium-dark roast is a reasonable first try.
- Pick a blend labelled for espresso, then taste before buying more.
- Buy whole beans with a roast date and use within a few weeks.
Fixing common problems
| Problem | Try |
|---|---|
| Too bitter | Coarser grind, shorter shot or lighter roast |
| Thin or watery | Slightly finer grind or a bit less water |
| Sour | Longer time or hotter water |
Caffeine
A lungo has slightly more caffeine than an espresso from the same coffee because of the longer extraction, but the difference is small.
People also ask
Can I use espresso beans for lungo?
Yes. An espresso blend works; some guides suggest a slightly coarser grind.
Is lungo stronger than espresso?
It is milder in taste and slightly higher in caffeine than an espresso from the same coffee.
How long should a lungo take?
Roughly 40 to 60 seconds for a single, per one guide, longer than a normal espresso.
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