How much caffeine is in a Lungo? A lungo is a type of coffee that is made by pulling a shot of espresso with more water than usual, resulting in a longer extraction time and a larger volume of coffee. The word "lungo" comes from the Italian word for "long."
Caffeine Content in Lungo
The caffeine content in a lungo can vary depending on the type of coffee bean used, the amount of coffee used in the shot, and the volume of water used to make the lungo. However, on average, a single shot of lungo contains approximately 50-60 milligrams of caffeine.
To put this in perspective, a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine, while a shot of espresso typically contains 40-50 milligrams of caffeine. So a lungo falls somewhere in between these two options in terms of caffeine content.
Lungo Caffeine content
Factors that Affect Caffeine Content in Lungo
As mentioned earlier, the caffeine content in a lungo can vary based on several factors. One of the main factors is the type of coffee bean used. Different types of coffee beans have varying levels of caffeine content. For example, robusta beans generally contain more caffeine than arabica beans.
Another factor that affects caffeine content in a lungo is the amount of coffee used in the shot. If a lungo shot is made with more coffee, it will naturally contain more caffeine.
Finally, the volume of water used to make a lungo can also impact caffeine content. A lungo shot requires more water than a regular espresso shot, which means that the caffeine is more diluted in the larger volume of coffee.
Benefits of Drinking Lungo
While the caffeine content in a lungo is lower than that of a regular cup of coffee, it still provides a boost of energy and can help to improve mental alertness. Additionally, lungo shots contain more water than regular espresso shots, which means that they may also provide more antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in coffee.
One potential benefit of drinking lungo is that it may be less likely to cause jitters or other negative side effects that some people experience when drinking regular coffee. This is because the lower caffeine content and slower extraction process of a lungo can result in a smoother, less intense coffee experience.
Tips for Making a Perfect Lungo
If you're interested in making a lungo at home, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the perfect shot:
Use the right amount of coffee: To make a good lungo, you'll need to use slightly more coffee than you would for a regular espresso shot. Aim for about 14-18 grams of coffee for a double shot of lungo.
Grind the coffee correctly: The grind size for a lungo should be slightly coarser than that for a regular espresso shot. This is because the longer extraction time means that the coffee will be in contact with water for a longer period, and a finer grind could result in over-extraction and a bitter taste.
Read more: How Much Caffeine is in Awake Chocolate?
Use the right amount of water: The amount of water used to make a lungo can vary depending on personal preference, but a good starting point is to use about 1.5-2 times the amount of water you would use for a regular espresso shot.
Pay attention to extraction time: The ideal extraction time for a lungo shot is around 30-40 seconds. If the shot is taking longer than this, it could result in over-extraction and a bitter taste.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a lungo is a type of coffee that is made by pulling a shot of espresso with more water than usual, resulting in a longer extraction time and a larger volume of coffee. On average, a single shot of lungo contains approximately 50-60 milligrams of caffeine. The caffeine content can vary depending on factors such as the type of coffee bean used, the amount of coffee used in the shot, and the volume of water used to make the lungo.
Drinking lungo can provide a boost of energy and help to improve mental alertness, while potentially causing fewer negative side effects than regular coffee. To make a perfect lungo, it's important to use the right amount of coffee, grind the coffee correctly, use the right amount of water, and pay attention to extraction time.
Overall, if you enjoy the taste and experience of a lungo, it can be a great option for a morning or mid-day pick-me-up with a moderate amount of caffeine.