Coffee is the biggest source of caffeine in the world. Most people cannot go a day without it. It can improve your concentration, enhance your mood, and jumpstart your energy. Espresso is a special coffee prepared with finely ground coffee beans that have a rich flavor. Both regular coffee and espresso are a delight, but sometimes you may wonder what all the fuss is about. Is there really a big difference between the two? Oh, yes. And don’t tell a coffee fanatic otherwise.
Beans
Espresso beans take more time to roast and are darker. The beans used to make regular coffee are coarse and gravel-like. The beans are also roasted for a shorter period than espresso beans.
Brewing Method
The main distinction between espresso and regular coffee lies in the brewing process. Espresso results from forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, usually made into a cake, in high pressure. You can make regular coffee by putting hot water with roasted ground coffee beans into a filter and letting the contents brew for a few minutes.
Concentration of Caffeine
When it comes to the jolt of energy from caffeine, most people think espresso has more caffeine than regular coffee. This is not entirely true. Research shows that a cup of regular coffee has about 128 milligrams of caffeine. A shot of espresso has about 63 milligrams of caffeine. However, most people will drink more than one espresso shot at once, thereby consuming more caffeine at the end of the day.
Taste
Espresso is more flavorful, with a bolder taste. The brewing method incorporates all of its essential oils into the final drink. With regular coffee, the filtering removes some of the essential oils and flavor, making it weaker. It is not as intense as the espresso.
Consistency
Most people adore espresso due to its thick and intense consistency. A double shot of thick, black espresso will jumpstart your day in a snap. Regular coffee is thinner, lighter, and watery. It may take you more than one cup to feel rejuvenated.
Health Benefits and Concerns
Espresso has more antioxidants. It is also low in calories. It is also the better choice for people with acid reflux due to its low acidity. But after several rounds of espresso, you could find yourself unable to sleep and jittery. Well, with regular coffee, this is less likely to happen.
Conclusion
Both espresso and regular coffee are a beloved source of caffeine for coffee lovers. What sets them apart is the brewing process, the slight taste difference, and the caffeine content.