What Is Nespresso Gran Lungo? How It Differs From Lungo, Espresso, Coffee?

Are you a fan of Nespresso coffee? Do you love a strong, flavorful brew that packs a punch? Then you need to try Nespresso’s Lungo and Gran Lungo coffees! These unique blends offer a longer pour than a traditional espresso shot, resulting in a bold, full-bodied flavor that’s perfect for any time of day. But what exactly are Lungo and Gran Lungo, and how do you make them? Keep reading to find out!

Nespresso Lungo Meaning

Before we dive deeper into Gran Lungo, let’s take a quick look at what Lungo is. Lungo is another type of coffee capsule designed for use with Nespresso machines. The word “Lungo” comes from the Italian word for “long,” which gives you an idea of what to expect. Essentially, a Lungo shot is made by running more water through the coffee capsule than you would for an espresso shot. This results in a longer, milder cup of coffee.

What is Nespresso Gran Lungo?

What is Nespresso Gran Lungo? Simply put, Gran Lungo is a type of coffee capsule designed specifically for Nespresso machines. It’s partway between an espresso and a Lungo, which means it’s longer and milder than an espresso, but still has that rich, full-bodied flavor that coffee lovers crave.

Differences between Lungo and Gran Lungo

The main difference is the amount of water used. While a Lungo shot is made with more water than an espresso, a Gran Lungo shot is made with even more water. This results in a longer, milder cup of coffee with a rich, full-bodied flavor. Another key difference between the two is the intensity. Gran Lungo is milder than an espresso but still has a moderate intensity that makes it a satisfying and flavorful cup of coffee.

Volume

If you’re curious about the size of a Lungo or Gran Lungo shot, you’ll be happy to know that they’re both quite generous. A Lungo shot typically has a volume of around 110ml, while a Gran Lungo shot has a volume of around 150ml. This means you’ll get more coffee in your cup than you would with an espresso shot.

Caffeine levels

If you’re someone who needs a caffeine boost to start your day, you might be wondering how much caffeine is in Lungo and Gran Lungo pods. The amount of caffeine varies depending on the specific blend, but generally, a Lungo shot has about 80-100mg of caffeine, while a Gran Lungo shot has about 120-140mg of caffeine.

Is Gran Lungo espresso or coffee?

If you’re wondering whether Gran Lungo is an espresso or coffee, the answer is that it’s kind of in between. Nespresso created the Gran Lungo specifically to bridge the gap between espresso and regular coffee. It’s a longer and more intense shot than an espresso, but not quite as long or as mild as a regular coffee.

When you make a Gran Lungo, you can expect a shot of as much as 150ml or 5 ounces. That’s larger than a standard espresso but smaller than a cup of coffee which is typically 8 ounces.

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The intensity of a Gran Lungo is also somewhere in the middle of espresso and coffee. Nespresso rates their capsules on a scale of 1-13, with 1 being the mildest and 13 being the most intense. Gran Lungo capsules typically fall in the range of 5-9 on this scale, making them stronger than most regular coffee but not quite as strong as a shot of espresso.

Gran Lungo vs Double Espresso Pods

If you’re a fan of espresso, you might be wondering how Gran Lungo capsules compare to Nespresso’s double espresso capsules. Double espresso capsules are designed to produce shots that are twice as large as a standard espresso, or around 80ml. So how do they stack up against Gran Lungo capsules?

The main difference is the volume of coffee produced. Double espresso capsules produce shots that are around 80ml, while Gran Lungo capsules produce shots that are around 150ml. Additionally, Gran Lungo capsules are typically less intense than double espresso capsules, with a rating of around 5-9 on Nespresso’s intensity scale compared to 10-12 for double espresso capsules.

Ultimately, the choice between Gran Lungo and double espresso capsules will come down to personal preference. If you prefer a larger shot with a slightly milder flavor, Gran Lungo might be the way to go. If you prefer a smaller shot with a more intense flavor, double espresso capsules might be a better fit.

Nespresso Machine Compatibility

If you’re planning to enjoy a Lungo or Gran Lungo at home, it’s important to make sure your Nespresso machine is compatible with the appropriate capsule.

For Lungo capsules, you’ll want to use an original line machine. This includes popular models like the Nespresso Pixie, Essenza Mini, and Citiz. These machines are designed specifically for Lungo shots, which require a longer extraction time to fully extract the flavor and aroma from the coffee.

On the other hand, Gran Lungo capsules are designed for use with Nespresso’s Vertuo line of machines. This includes models like the Vertuo, VertuoPlus, and Evoluo. These machines use a unique extraction system that allows for different cup sizes, including the larger volumes required for Gran Lungo shots.

How to make a Lungo?

Making a Lungo is a simple process that requires just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Fill your water tank with fresh, cold water and turn on your Nespresso machine to preheat.
  2. Select a Lungo capsule and insert it into the machine.
  3. Place a cup or mug under the spout and press the Lungo button on your machine.
  4. Wait for the extraction to finish, which should take about 45 seconds.
  5. Enjoy your delicious Lungo coffee!

It’s worth noting that the longer extraction time required for Lungo shots means they typically contain more water than espresso shots, resulting in a milder, less intense flavor profile. However, they also tend to have a smoother finish and a pleasant aroma.

How to make a Gran Lungo?

Making a Gran Lungo is similar to making a Lungo, but requires a different capsule and machine. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  1. Fill your Vertuo water tank with fresh, cold water and turn on your machine to preheat.
  2. Select a Gran Lungo capsule and insert it into the machine.
  3. Place a cup or mug under the spout and press the button for the appropriate cup size.
  4. Wait for the extraction to finish, which should take around 2 minutes.
  5. Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic Gran Lungo!
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Serving Suggestions for Lungo and Gran Lungo

There are many ways to enjoy Lungo and Gran Lungo coffees, depending on your personal taste preferences. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

  1. Add a splash of milk: If you prefer your coffee with a bit of creaminess, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to your Lungo or Gran Lungo. This can help balance out the flavors and create a smoother finish.
  2. Serve with a biscotti or croissant: Lungo and Gran Lungo coffees are great options to pair with a sweet treat. Consider serving them with a biscotti, croissant, or other pastry for a delicious breakfast or mid-day snack.
  3. Make it an iced coffee: During hot weather, you might prefer your Lungo or Gran Lungo as a refreshing iced coffee. Simply pour the coffee over ice and add any desired milk or sweetener for a cool and refreshing treat.
  4. Experiment with flavorings: Nespresso offers a variety of flavored Lungo and Gran Lungo capsules, such as vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut. Consider trying different flavorings to find your perfect combination.

Conclusion

Overall, Nespresso Lungo and Gran Lungo coffees are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee at home. With the right machine and a few simple steps, you can create a delicious coffee that perfectly suits your taste preferences.