What’s the Difference Between Coffee and Espresso?
Traditional coffee and espresso are among the world’s most popular ways to drink coffee. They are both made from Coffea berry plant seeds or coffee beans as they’re more commonly known. The real difference between coffee and espresso, though, lies in the preparation.
Preparation Matters
Hot water applied to ground coffee beans for at least one minute creates coffee. There are a variety of brewing methods used to make coffee, including:
- Boiling
- French press
- Pourover
- Steeping
- An automatic coffee maker
- Espresso
Espresso, in particular, is typically prepared with a specific machine. The process uses less water because a serving size is one ounce and it is intended to have a stronger flavor, as compared to a traditional 8-ounce cup of coffee. High-pressurized hot water is forced through tightly-packed grounds, which are roasted longer and ground to a finer consistency than traditional coffee beans.
Flavor Differences Between Coffee and Espresso
Because both coffee and espresso are made from coffee beans, their taste is similar. However, there are many different types of traditional coffees ranging from light to dark roast with varying properties and characteristics. For example, Breakfast Blend has a smooth, light-bodied taste, while French Roast is full-bodied and bold.
Espresso, on the other hand, is brewed in small portions and has a rich, dark flavor that borders on bitter. In addition, there are three distinct layers of espresso once poured:
- Heart — This is the darkest layer at the bottom of your cup.
- Body — The middle layer, which is not as dark as the heart.
- Crema — A top layer of creamy coffee froth
How Much Caffeine?
Many people presume espresso has more caffeine than traditional coffee, but the average 8-ounce cup of coffee has 80 to 185 mg of caffeine, depending on the preparation, while a one-ounce espresso shot has an average of 40 to 75 mg.
Whether you prefer traditional coffee or Espresso, Javatino has what you need. With our knowledgeable staff, you can rest assured your coffee experience will not just be memorable, but delicious. For more information, or if you have questions about our products, call us today at (407)730-6625.