What are the perfect blends for Lungo, Ristretto και Cappuccino?

Every espresso drink requires its right blend.

As espresso aficionados, it is often possible to reflect on the plethora of blends: different textures, different origins, different proportions between Arabica and Robusta. The blend that every espresso fan will stick with is of course a matter of personal taste and sense of taste - however, some blends are better suited to some preparations than others.

We present the blends we believe are best suited to three well-known and beloved preparations: Lungo, Espresso and milk drinks, such as cappuccino, Flat White and Latte, to be sure that each time, the our mug is the best possible. Enjoy!

What are the perfect blends for Lungo, Ristretto και Cappuccino?

Lungo

Lungo (meaning "long" in Italian) is not much different from regular espresso, with the exception of its extraction time and size. Almost twice the size, after reaching 100ml over 60ml of regular espresso, it is extracted twice as much as regular espresso, without the need for an extra dose of coffee.

The main problems we have to deal with when preparing a Lungo are, on the one hand, the feeling of "scrambling" that sometimes has the slightest bitterness. The "watering" is due to most of the ml of water passing through the ground coffee, and the bitterness can result from over-extraction, as the more coffee is exposed to hot water the more its bitter characteristics are likely to prevail.

What blend to use: For delectable Lungo's, it is best to use a blend with a strong body so that the coffee retains its character and strength, so it is good to have a relatively high Robusta content. On the other hand, the excessive presence of Robusta may underline the bitterness that can occur, so a balanced blend of Arabica - Robusta proportions moving at around 70/30 is a good choice.

Suggested Blends: Gimoka Aurum, Gimoka Platinum, Bristot Miscela Speciale, Segafredo Mild

Ristretto

Lungo's counterpart is Ristretto (which means limited in Italian): it is extracted in half a year, its ml does not exceed 25, but its taste is extremely concentrated and the aromas are very intense.

Ristretto may not be particularly filling, as it is drunk in just a few sips, however it is extremely aromatic and richly flavored, since all coffee aromas are concentrated to just a few ml, and its cream is usually particularly dense and pleasant.

What blend we use: Due to the nature of the extraction, 100% Arabica blends unfold all their fragrances with very tasty results, while not lagging behind in creating cream. Still, as the organoleptic characteristics are emphasized, the Ristretto extracts are a good opportunity to experiment with unique, unique coffees.

Suggested Blends: Buondi Craft Single Origin Honduras, Lavazza Tierra Bio Organic, Danesi Gold, Passalacqua Mekico

Cappuccino – Flat White – Latte

Although quite different from one another, what Flat White, Cappuccino and Latte have in common is the intense presence of milk, which gives them their particular texture and taste. In Latte, milk prevails over epspresso, cappuccino in hot foam creates delicious cream while in Flat White espresso and milk blend harmoniously, resulting in a rich coffee flavor and the well known and popular Latte Art.

A major problem with these beverages is that the coffee flavor is often "overcooked" by the milk, resulting in a coffee with a low intensity and a weak body. Still, some features of 100% Arabica blends, such as acidity or floral / fruity flavors, do not always blend in with the milk, resulting in "odd" flavors. A Robusta-rich blend will retain the taste of coffee, while also providing a dense cream that mixes well with milk and foam - the more adventurous can also choose 100% Robusta blends, where the intensity meets the deep taste. and the strong body.

Suggested Blends: Gimoka Corpo, Lavazza Suerte, Gimoka Gran Bar, Garibaldi Versilia

There is no doubt that the blend that suits every palate is primarily a matter of personal taste - and that the combinations that can be made are truly endless. Our suggestions are meant to help anyone who wants to wander into the enchanting world of espresso, without ever being restrictive and bound. Good coffee is always important - the coffee we deserve.