American coffee is one of the most popular coffee preparations worldwide. Many people wonder how it differs from other preparations and how this influences its flavor and properties.
This article will help you discover exactly what American coffee is, its ingredients, its origin, and how it can be an ally in your daily routine , even when you're trying to lose weight.
What is American coffee?
American coffee is a beverage made from espresso to which hot water is added . This process dilutes the intensity of the espresso, creating a milder-tasting coffee while preserving its characteristic aroma.
Although it resembles filter coffee in terms of volume and smoothness, American coffee maintains the essence of espresso , as the water is added after extraction, giving it a lighter and less concentrated texture.
What's in American coffee?
American coffee is a simple mixture of just two ingredients: espresso and hot water . The standard ratio is usually 1:1 , that is, one part espresso and one part water, although this can vary according to personal taste.
To prepare it, first extract the espresso (approximately 30 ml), and then add hot water (approximately 90 ml) to fill the cup. This results in a beverage that is milder than espresso, but with a flavor and body distinct from that of filter coffee.
Origin of American coffee
The origin of American coffee dates back to World War II , when American soldiers deployed in Italy found espresso too strong for their taste.
Accustomed to larger, less concentrated filtered coffees, they asked for hot water to be added to their espressos to make them milder. Thus, the "Americano" was born, a mockery by Italian baristas of the soldiers. Over time, this variation became popular and spread throughout the world.
We differentiate between the different types of American coffee
When we refer to an Americano in Spain, we usually mean the one we explained in the first section. However, we also have to consider the original Americano and the manual version:
American coffee in Spain
In Spain, Americano coffee is primarily prepared in cafes and bars in a simple and straightforward way. An espresso is extracted and then diluted with hot water to make a full cup. This distinguishes the Americano from a traditional espresso, which is more concentrated and served in a smaller quantity. This method is common in the hospitality industry and has become popular due to its simplicity, allowing coffee lovers to enjoy a lighter beverage while still retaining the espresso flavor.
American filter coffee (the original from America)
This type of coffee is made in an automatic drip coffee maker. The process involves hot water passing through ground coffee contained in a paper filter, and the resulting coffee collects in a carafe. This automatic method is very popular in American homes due to its ease of use and ability to produce large quantities of mild coffee that is less concentrated than espresso.
Manual filter coffee
Filter coffee can be prepared manually using methods like the Chemex or the V60. These devices require greater control over the process of pouring water over the ground coffee. Unlike automatic coffee makers, the water is added manually in circular motions over the filter, allowing for greater precision in the extraction and, therefore, significantly affecting the final result in the cup. This method has become very popular among baristas and coffee enthusiasts due to the possibility of customizing the extraction.
American coffee can be an ally in losing weight
American coffee, due to its low calorie content and its ability to boost metabolism , can be an ally in weight loss. Its low calorie count (especially when consumed without sugar or milk) makes it an ideal beverage for those looking to manage their weight.
In addition, caffeine helps increase calorie burning, making it perfect to accompany a weight loss plan .
Does American coffee break a fast?
One of the most common questions about Americano coffee is whether it breaks a fast. The answer is no, as long as it's consumed without added sugar, milk, or sweeteners . Being a virtually calorie-free beverage, it doesn't interfere with the metabolic processes of intermittent fasting, allowing the body to maintain its fat-burning state while you enjoy your cup of coffee.
Calories in American coffee
Americano coffee has virtually zero calories, as long as it's consumed without any additives. A 355 ml cup of Americano coffee without sugar or milk contains approximately 2 calories , making it an excellent choice for those looking to control their calorie intake without sacrificing the pleasure of a good cup of coffee. Furthermore, its high content of antioxidants and bioactive compounds makes it beneficial to health.
Americano coffee is an ideal choice for coffee lovers seeking a milder beverage than espresso . Its low calorie count makes it perfect for those who want to enjoy a good coffee without compromising their diet.
If you've been won over by Americano coffee and are about to start drinking it, it's the ideal way to enjoy the flavor of a good coffee, as it's not mixed with milk or other ingredients. That's why we recommend trying ourspecialty coffees prepared in an Americano style, made with the highest quality beans and roasted by hand.
On the other hand, if you've decided to make your American coffees the original American way, we have automatic drip coffee makers so you can try authentic American coffee.
