25 Jul Filter coffee vs Instant coffee vs Espresso: Which is Better?
Coffee has always been one of the most popular beverages around the world and with the beverage industry booming, coffee has become more than just a beverage. According to the stats from International Coffee Organisation, globally, around 1.4 billion cups of coffee are consumed in a day, and India stands as one of the fastest growing markets for packaged coffee.
While there is a lot of debate surrounding the health effects of coffee, when consumed in moderation its quite a healthy drink as it is full of antioxidants and facilitates boost of cognitive function. There are several distinct types of coffee, and every caffeine lover has his preferential method to brew his favourite cup of coffee. In this blog, we’ll see in detail about the benefits and drawbacks of three types of coffee, Espresso, filter coffee and instant coffee.
Making of instant coffee, espresso coffee and filter coffee
Instant coffee
Making
This is a type of coffee that need not be brewed as it is a pre-ground coffee that has been turned into a solution or premix. All you need to do is add some boiling water, or milk, as per your preference, along with the premix to your cup, and your coffee is ready to be consumed.
Of course, it may not be as desirable as a brewed cup of coffee, but it does the job of giving you the instant caffeine hit.
Flavour and texture
The flavour of instant coffee can largely vary depending on the quality of coffee beans used to make the premix solution. Better the quality of beans better the texture and flavour. And as the demand for instant coffee has increased over time, manufacturers are set to upgrade their quality as well.
Filter coffee and espresso
Both filter coffee and espresso use the same coffee beans, but the difference lies in the quality of their grinds and their brewing times.
The brewing method
Filter coffee is made by pouring hot water over the grounded coffee mix which drains through the grounds and extracts and dispenses a strong decoction into a container placed below. There is no quick way of extracting the decoction as there is no pressure applied, so it naturally takes time produce a rich, smooth mix.
Espresso is made by pushing through near boiling water with a certain pressure of 8-10 bars through the coffee grounds to dispense a coffee solution.
The pressure causes the water to extract sugars, oils, solids, and other flavourful compounds from the grounds producing a flavor-dense shot of espresso.
Brewing time
Filter Coffee brewing starts with the water wetting the grounds for about 30 seconds letting the coffee bloom facilitating the release of CO2 and better stimulation of water flow. The post bloom process takes about 1.5 to 2 minutes, resulting in a rich decoction.
Espresso is a shot that can be prepared within 25 to 30 seconds. However, while making a milk-based coffee, the process takes about a minute as it involved steaming and pouring of milk.
Flavour and texture
Filter coffee has a smooth, light texture and can be prepared in 15-20 minutes.
Espresso has an intense but balanced flavor. It has crisp acidity, a pleasant sweetness, and gives a syrupy feel to the mouth.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Espresso, Filter Coffee and Instant Coffee
All varieties of coffee come with many benefits as well as a few drawbacks. To understand which is better or what is preferrable its essential to understand both the pros and cons. Also, you must understand everything must be consumed in moderation.
Espresso
The espresso coffee is a rich, flavourful coffee associated with various benefits like- Better long-term memory, higher concentration, lower calories, helps in weight loss, better digestion, reduces chances of diabetes and is a mood enhancer.
Of course, when consumed in higher quantities, since it has higher amounts of caffeine and is more concentrated may lead to some health issues including anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, higher blood pressure, and rapid heart rate.
Instant coffee
Instant coffee contains a lot less caffeine than an espresso or filter coffee and has many powerful antioxidants responsible for many associated health benefits. Instant coffee boosts metabolism, brain function, mental health, liver health and decrease risk of diabetes.
However, instant coffee contains a chemical called Acrylamide which is found in smoke, household items and personal care products. Consuming larger amounts of it can cause damage to the nervous system.
Filter coffee
Filter coffee by far has way more benefits than drawbacks, which is why it has become widely popular over the years.
Along with the usual benefits of boosting energy levels, enhancing cognitive function, promoting digestive support, promoting weight management, it can greatly help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, protects you against neurological disorders, can potentially prevent cancer, and is great for liver health.
However, with higher consumption there are chances of it being responsible for increased cholesterol levels.
Which is better for you?
The comparison boils down to one simple question: how do you prefer your coffee? What type of coffee depends on your lifestyle. If you have a fast-paced life and need coffee on the go, instant coffee is your best bet. But of course, if you are a hardcore coffee enthusiast, then you will certainly make time to brew a cup of coffee to your liking, espresso or filter coffee, depending on your liking of texture and flavour. Savouring your morning coffee is a cherished ritual for most, especially with all its flavors and aromas. And if you are one of those coffee lovers then you would most likely would not prefer to take the short cut of settling down for an instant coffee, rather, investing in a good coffee machine to brew your perfect cup would be the ideal choice.
In the end, however, the type of coffee you prefer is completely dependent on your taste buds, your preferred texture and flavour of coffee.