Though all the coffee types might appear a little similar to other people, coffee lovers take every grind and extract very seriously. There is no right way of ordering coffee, but there surely are numerous ways of getting one. Whether a hot frothy cup of cappuccino is going to be the kick-starter of your day or a stronger cup of ristretto should set you in the work mode, it is your decision.
If you want one truest form of concentrated coffee without any additional frills or forth, an espresso is your best option. Espresso is often used synonymously to coffee and is well-known around the world. However, what if someone prefers a smaller and stronger version of espresso with all the punch? Ristretto is the answer!
Though a ristretto shot can be mistaken for an espresso one, there are several differences between the two. The term ristretto is the opposite of Lungo – another type of coffee – and loosely translates to something restricted or narrow. The name is befitting the type of coffee it represents. A ristretto is an espresso prepared with half the amount of water used for espresso and a finer grind of coffee.
How is Ristretto Made?
You can also make a ristretto using an espresso machine. However, a ristretto’s extraction time is usually less than that of espresso as it is stopped at about 12 to 15 seconds. A difference in the extraction time matters the most in differentiating the coffee types. An extended extraction with more water creates a Lungo!
Although the ristretto shots available worldwide are short, some of the top cafes are experimenting with larger volumes of ristretto. They keep the ratio of extracted coffee and water constant while playing around with various volumes.
How is Ristretto Different?
- A finer ground of coffee is used to prepare a ristretto.
- Ristretto is made by putting more pressure on the portafilter.
- The extraction time is quicker compared to other types of coffees.
Health Benefits
- Caffeine helps promote the absorption of medicines that you take for a headache.
- Antioxidants in coffee help eradicate free radicals from your body that otherwise damage your cells and DNA.
- Hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols are two essential antioxidants present in coffee that help fight the aging process.
- Coffee has proven to help boost an enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, that helps increase our good cholesterol.
- Caffeine is also an excellent anti-inflammatory agent.
