For some people, the best way to begin the day right and kicking is a good cup of coffee. Coffee is considered the most top-selling beverage of all time. However, there is confusion as to what is stronger espresso or coffee?
So what is really the deal here? In this article, we’ll discuss and examine the facts of which is stronger, is it coffee or espresso?
Espresso vs. Coffee
Espresso is a coffee that is made on a specific brewing method. Espresso is a type of coffee that has no dairy, making it appear black and flavourful. It is made by forcing steam into finely ground coffee beans.
While coffee or much explicitly known by the term drip coffee is made in a simple process, drip coffee has its signature of savory specific flavors and aromas that are said to be the origin of all coffees.
The Comparison
A lot of people say that espresso has more caffeine than a drop of brewed coffee. When, in fact, it is the opposite: why? Because we see the espresso as being the concentrated one but have you considered boiling down the factors that we are intaking more caffeine on a regular brewed drip of coffee.
It is because of the serving cup sizes since we have a serving only shots or a small amount if it is an espresso. We take more amount or drink a lot with a complete mug full of brewed coffee, so which do you think wins the caffeine level? It must be the coffee because it was served as a reasonable amount of water, unlike the espresso on a scale-to-scale basis served depending on the customer’s need.
Brewing method
- Coffee – Ground coffee pods are put into a filter and left to brew in a coffee machine. The two commonly brewed coffees at home are the French press technique and the automated drip methods.
- Espresso – Espresso is produced by forcing a small volume of boiling water into finely-ground and tamped coffee to have a strong, concentrated beverage.
Caffeine Content
- Coffee – 80-185 mg per 8 ounces cup (236 ml) depending upon the brew and the type of roasted coffee used.
- Espresso – 40-75 mg per 1 ounce serving.
Cultural connotation
- Coffee – Fast-Paced
- Espresso – Tamp
Why is an Espresso Stronger Compared to Coffee?
One of the main reasons why espresso is stronger than coffee is that it is highly concentrated. It appears more bitter compared to brewed coffee.
Coffee beans are roasted into three different levels (light, medium, and dark). Each of these levels has a specific roasting temperature. Dark roasted beans are the strongest coffee. Hence, espressos are stronger compared to coffee because of dark roasted beans.
Espresso beans are roasted until very dark because this increases their capacity to withstand the high pressure under which they are brewed.
A dark roast also brings out a full body with low acidity and is well suited for drinking milk. Lighter roasts are exceptionally well suited for pour-overs, which tend to bring out the brighter, fruitier flavors of the coffee. But it all boils down to your personal preferences. So get out there and experiment with some different beans.
Is Espresso Stronger Than Coffee Because of High Caffeine Content?
Espresso has a bitter taste. And when you taste a bitter drink, once that comes into your mind is the caffeine content of it.
A lot of people believe that the level of caffeine contents increases as to how it is roasted longer. But in reality, the more the coffee beans are roasted, the more the caffeine content decreases. It is because caffeine dissipates throughout the roasting process.
Espresso beans are roasted until very dark because this increases their capacity to withstand the high pressure under which they are brewed.
Per typical 8-ounce of drip coffee, it contains approximately 70-180 mg of caffeine per serving while an espresso contains 60-100 mg caffeine in a 2-ounce serving. So, espresso has higher caffeine content compared to coffee. Know more about espressos.
Conclusion
The difference is in how you make it. To recap, espresso is an Italian-style coffee brewed with high pressure and speed. It would be best if you had an evenly fine grind size and a particular machine to make a good espresso. In comparison, other types of coffee are usually made by slowly filtering water through coffee grounds.
Remember that whether or not you prefer to drink espresso is a matter of personal taste. It also depends on which kind of coffee you are in the mood for; drinking a mug of brewed coffee is an entirely different experience than drinking a shot of espresso.
So, espresso vs. coffee – it’s not a competition! It will not matter as to what is stronger, espresso, or coffee. But it depends on you.
If you want to know more about coffee and espresso, you can visit crosscountrycoffeeroadshow.com. They have visited various places just to seek the best coffee in the country. And if you want to catch up on your coffee facts and trivia, please visit their Cross Country Coffee Road Show to get updated on almost everything to know about coffee.