Lungo coffee

What is lungo coffee

Lungo coffee literally means ‘long’ in Italian and is distinguished by the longer water flow time during brewing. Where an espresso is brewed in 25–30 seconds with around 25–30 ml of water, a lungo typically uses 50–110 ml of water and takes slightly longer to prepare. This brewing method creates a milder, richer flavour, but with less bitterness and intensity than espresso, ideal for anyone who enjoys an aromatic, easy-drinking coffee.

Different types of lungo coffee

Within the lungo coffee category, you can choose from various options tailored to personal preference and brewing method:

• Lungo coffee beans – For a freshly ground taste experience, suitable for bean-to-cup machines and fully automatic machines.
• Ground lungo coffee – Ready to use straight away in filter machines, percolators or cafetières.
• Lungo coffee capsules – Compatible with various coffee machines and ideal for convenience and consistency.

Blend versus single origin lungo

• Blend: Mixed from different origins for a balanced flavour profile.
• Single origin: Coffees from one region, often distinctive and characterful in flavour.

Light roast lungo versus medium roast lungo

• Light roast lungo: Fresh, floral or fruity accents and a soft base.
• Medium roast lungo: A bit stronger with more chocolate notes and a fuller body.

Decaffeinated lungo coffee

Also available: decaffeinated lungo coffee, for those who want to enjoy without caffeine but with flavour.

How to choose the right lungo coffee

Selecting your ideal lungo coffee starts with your taste preference and desired aroma:

• Flavour profile: Do you like mild, full or aromatic? Light roast for a softer taste, medium roast for a fuller character.
• Roast level: Light to medium roast ensures a balanced lungo, without overpowering bitterness.
• Intensity: Choose a milder intensity if you like subtle, or go a bit stronger for more body.
• Origin: Espresso lovers sometimes go for blends, while adventurous coffee drinkers choose single origin lungo coffee from, for example, South America, Africa or Asia.
• Blend or single origin: A blend offers reliability and balance, single origin lungo coffee offers unique flavour experiences per region.
• Caffeine content: Regular or decaffeinated lungo coffee, depending on your needs.
• Suitable brewing method: Check whether you brew automatically, with a filter or with capsules and choose the right format (beans, ground, capsules).
• Pack size: From smaller packs for fresh flavour to bulk packs for frequent use.

Key characteristics of lungo coffee

Lungo coffee stands out in the following ways:

• Flavour profile: Mild, full, aromatic; less bitter and less intense than espresso.
• Roast level: Mainly light to medium roast for a soft taste and balance.
• Intensity: Varying, but for lungo generally softer than espresso coffee.
• Origin and region: Popular lungo coffee beans come from Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia and Indonesia. Each region has its own character.
• Blend versus single origin: Blend for balance and consistent flavour, single origin for distinctive character.
• Caffeine content: Both regular and decaffeinated lungo coffee available.
• Format: Coffee beans, ground coffee, capsules – depending on your brewing method.
• Pack size: Different sizes for every need and shelf life.
• Brewing method: Lungo is ideal for fully automatic machines and filter machines, but can also be brewed perfectly with other methods.

Comparison: lungo coffee versus espresso coffee

• Lungo: Longer extraction time, more water, mild and aromatic.
• Espresso: Brewed in less time, less water, strong and intense.

Ground coffee versus coffee beans

• Coffee beans: Fresher, maximum flavour development, suitable for bean-to-cup machines.
• Ground coffee: Quicker to use, consistent result, ideal for filter machines or French press.

Pack sizes for lungo coffee

• Small: Quick consumption, maximum freshness.
• Large: Suitable for heavy users.

Uses of lungo coffee

Lungo coffee is ideal at any time of day when you crave a longer, less intense coffee experience. Think of a relaxed coffee moment, at breakfast or as a light alternative to espresso. Thanks to its mild character, lungo is perfectly suited to people who want a fuller cup without the intensity of a classic espresso. Lungo is also perfect for people who like variety in flavour, by choosing different roasts, origins or blends.

Buy lungo coffee at Café du Jour

Here you can easily choose your favourite lungo coffee, whether you opt for coffee beans, ground lungo coffee or lungo coffee capsules. Thanks to the wide range, you can choose from light roast lungo, medium roast lungo, single origin lungo coffee and blends. You will also find decaffeinated lungo coffee and various pack sizes to suit your usage. Discover unique flavours, find the lungo coffee that suits your preference and enjoy your perfect coffee every day.

Need help choosing? Consult the selection guide or get in touch for advice on your ideal lungo coffee!