For some, coffee serves not only as a stimulant but also as a ritual, a passion, and a way of life. Taking time to understand and experiment with how grind size affects the coffee you brew will give your taste buds an experience they’ll never forget!
This complete guide will ensure you know everything there is to know about ground coffee, from choosing the best beans to the best method to brew.
Types of Ground Coffee
Ground Coffee is graded using grind size and is suitable for brewing methods of the same coarseness. Specifically, the following are the most popular types:
Coarse Grind
Best for French press, percolators, and cold brew. The presence of the large particles caused a slower extraction that is favorable for these applications.
Medium Grind
This medium grind is ideal for use in drip coffee makers or pour-over methods. Balanced extraction and smooth, full-bodied flavor with a grind that’s even and consistent.
Fine Grind and Extra Fine Grind
Used for espresso machines. Finely ground coffee lends itself to the perfect shot of espresso, as if the water flows too fast, the coffee will underextract, and if it flows too slow, it will overextract. Turkish coffee primarily uses a powdery extra fine grind, known for its intense extraction.
How to Brew Ground Coffee
The manner in which you brew can make a big difference in flavor, for better or worse. Below are popular methods, with ideal grind sizes for each:
French Press
You need a coarse grind for a French press. Hot water is poured on the coffee grounds, and the contents are allowed to brew for a few minutes to obtain the full flavor of coffee. The result is a smooth and full-orbed cup of coffee.
Espresso
Espresso needs to be finely ground, as the brewing process is under high pressure. The end product tastes like an espresso shot, all big and brassy. Espresso is delicious when enjoyed on its own or used as a base for lattes and cappuccinos.
Pour-Over
For pour-over coffee, use a medium grind. This slow, manual technique keeps everything in the water. It even gives just the right amount of time for the water to absorb the flavors evenly from the grounds, providing a smooth, more delicious cup.
Drip Coffee Maker
A medium grind is the best for automatic drip coffee makers. By using a filter to separate the grounds from the coffee, it leaves a clean, smooth cup of coffee.
Tips for the Best Coffee Experience
Here are some tips for making the most of your ground coffee:
Use Fresh Coffee
Freshly ground coffee beans provide the best flavor. If it’s feasible, grind your beans right before brewing so you can keep the flavor.
Use Filtered Water
The quality of the water you use is most important with regard to the taste of coffee. Always use fresh, filtered water to brew your coffee.
Experiment with Ratios
The perfect coffee-water ratio is subjective and varies depending on how you like your coffee. Begin with a 1:15 ratio (that’s one part coffee to 15 parts water) and tweak according to your tastes.
Mastering the Art of Ground Coffee
But while most know that owning a good coffee grinder is a crucial part of your brewing equipment, far fewer know why this is the case, and what makes a good grinder. Whether you’re drinking some strong, muddy espresso or a sludgy French press brew, the secret is to use the very best quality, fresh ground coffee available to you. For best extraction results, mainly play around with grind types and measures and try.
Also read: 6 Surprising Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea Daily
