ANALYTICAL ENGLISH 解析英語(常春藤)

Espresso vs regular coffee: A world of difference in a single cup (1/2) 同是咖啡，不同風味！一杯之間的濃淡之爭（上）

Sitting down with a cup of coffee is one of life’s simple pleasures. However, many people are not fully aware of the actual differences between different types of coffee beyond their names. For example, what exactly is espresso? Although the name may sound like “express,” it is more closely related to the Italian idea of coffee being “pressed out” under pressure. That, however, is only part of the story. What makes this more confusing is that all espresso is coffee, but not all coffee is espresso.

　The differences largely come down to the type of roast and how the beans are ground and brewed. Espresso is the most concentrated form of coffee, made by forcing hot water through finely ground beans under high pressure. As a result, more flavor is extracted in a short time, creating a bold and concentrated drink. Espresso often carries hints of chocolate, caramel, or nuts. It also forms the base of many popular coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.

Espresso lovers appreciate it for its strong flavor, thick texture, and distinctive crema — the thick, golden-brown layer of foam that forms on top of a freshly brewed shot. It adds a velvety texture and a slight bitterness that many enjoy. Since espresso takes only about 20 to 30 seconds to brew and is usually served in a 25- to 30- milliliter portion, it is ideal for those in a hurry. Even so, some people prefer to sip it slowly, showing that coffee is as much about personal experience as it is about preparation.

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坐下來喝一杯咖啡是人生中簡單的樂趣之一。然而，除了名稱之外，很多人並不完全了解不同咖啡種類之間的實際差異。例如，義式濃縮咖啡（espresso）究竟是什麼？雖然這個名字可能聽起來很像「快速（express）」，但它其實與義大利語中在壓力下「被擠出」的咖啡概念更為相關。然而，那只說對了一部分。更讓人感到困惑的是，所有的濃縮咖啡都是咖啡，但並非所有的咖啡都是濃縮咖啡。

這些差異主要在於烘焙種類，以及如何研磨與沖煮咖啡豆。濃縮咖啡是咖啡最濃縮的形式，它是透過高壓方式強行將熱水沖過磨成細粉的咖啡豆萃取而成。因此，在短時間內能萃取出更多風味，形成口感強烈且濃郁的飲品。濃縮咖啡通常帶有一點巧克力、焦糖或堅果的風味。它同時也是許多熱門咖啡飲品的基底，包括拿鐵、卡布奇諾以及瑪奇朵。

濃縮咖啡的愛好者喜愛它濃烈的風味、醇厚口感，以及獨特的咖脂（在新鮮萃取的濃縮咖啡上方形成的那層濃厚、金褐色的泡沫）。它增添了絲絨般的口感，以及許多人喜愛的微苦風味。由於濃縮咖啡只需約二十至三十秒即可沖煮完成，且通常以二十五至三十毫升的分量供應，因此非常適合趕時間的人。即便如此，有些人仍喜歡慢慢啜飲，這說明了咖啡的重點不只在於製作過程，更關乎個人的體驗感。

Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock

What Did You Learn?

1. What does the author mean by saying “all espresso is coffee, but not all coffee is espresso” in the first paragraph of the Day 1 passage?

(A) Espresso is one type of coffee, but coffee includes various types.

(B) Espresso and regular coffee are unrelated, but both are widely consumed.

(C) Espresso is made in a special way, while coffee is prepared in many ways.

(D) Espresso contains all kinds of ingredients, while coffee includes only one type.

2. Which feature of espresso helps create its smooth texture and slight bitterness?

(A) The coarse grounds used during brewing.

(B) The crema that forms on top of the drink.

(C) The paper filter that removes fine particles.

(D) The long brewing time that extracts flavors slowly.

答案：1. A 2. B

Words in Use

1. confusing a. 令人困惑的

The instructions were so confusing that Bill had to read them several times. 說明內容太令人困惑，比爾不得不讀好幾遍。

2. largely adv. 大部分

Andy’s success was largely due to his persistence.

安迪的成功主要歸功於他的堅持。

3. concentrated a. 濃縮的

The company produces concentrated fruit extracts that are used in a variety of beverages.

這家公司生產濃縮果汁萃取液，用於各種飲品中。

4. finely adv. 細緻地

The chef finely chopped the onions for the soup.

廚師把洋蔥切得非常細來做湯。

5. extract vt. 萃取，提煉

Scientists extract useful substances from plants to create new medicines.

科學家從植物中萃取有用物質來製作新藥。

Practical Phrases

1. be aware of. . .　了解∕知道……

Amy should be aware of the rules before joining the contest. 艾咪在參加比賽前應該要知道規則。

2. be related to. . .　與……有關

Many health problems are related to long-term stress and a lack of proper rest.

許多健康問題與長期壓力以及缺乏適當休息有關。

3. come down to. . .　關鍵在於∕歸結為……

For Daniel, success comes down to daily practice.

對丹尼爾來說，成功的關鍵在於每天練習。

4. be ideal for...　　非常適合……

This chair is ideal for those who sit for long hours at work. 這張椅子很適合需要長時間坐著工作的人。

5. in a hurry　匆匆忙忙地

Emma answered the question in a hurry, so she made a small mistake. 艾瑪匆忙作答，因此犯了一個小錯。