The essence of a good coffee lies not just in the choice of beans or the brewing method, but also in the grind. In this informative guide, you’ll learn how to select beans for grinding, determine the right grind size, measure the beans accurately, and use a coffee grinder effectively. For those without a coffee grinder at hand, we will also introduce some manual methods.
When it comes to coffee, using freshly ground beans is vastly superior to pre-ground coffee.
Pre-ground coffee starts to lose its flavor and aroma shortly after being ground, while whole coffee beans can retain their freshness for several weeks or longer if stored properly.
This makes buying whole bean coffee and grinding it yourself right before brewing the best way to experience the full flavor and nuance of different coffees.
When selecting coffee beans for grinding, opt for high-quality, single-origin Arabica beans whenever possible. Lower quality robusta beans or generic coffee blends don't highlight the complexities that can come through in a fresh, single-origin coffee. Look for beans that were roasted recently, preferably within the past 1-2 weeks.
Try different origins, roasts, and flavor profiles to find your favorites. Stay away from flavored beans, as the oils and flavorings applied can gunk up your grinder over time. Focus on high-quality, lightly or medium roasted single-origin beans for an optimal grinding and brewing experience.
The size of the coffee grounds is one of the most important factors in coffee brewing. The grind size affects the rate at which water flows through the grounds and how much flavor is extracted.
There are four common grind size categories:
The ideal grind size can vary depending on the roast level, bean variety, and brew method. Lighter roasts and high elevation beans tend to require a finer grind. Darker roasts and low elevation beans can use a coarser setting. In essence, match your grind to your brewing method.
To achieve a consistent and accurate measurement, it's best to use a kitchen scale that can measure in grams. This allows for precision that measuring by volume (like with scoops or measuring cups) can't match.
The Specialty Coffee Association recommends a general guideline of 1:18, which is one part coffee to eighteen parts water. For example, for every 500 grams of water, you would use about 28 grams of coffee beans. Adjust the ratio to taste; some prefer a 1:15 or 1:17 ratio for stronger flavors.
The two main types of coffee grinders are burr and blade. They function differently and produce different grind results.
Burr grinders use two abrasive surfaces to grind the coffee beans. The beans are crushed between a moving burr and a stationary burr. The space between the burrs determines the grind size.
These grinders produce a very consistent and uniform grind. They allow you to adjust the grind size for different brew methods. Sounlike a one-size-fits-all approach, burr grinders offer a wide range of grind sizes. You can adjust the coarseness or fineness based on your brewing method.
Burr grinders can be manual or electric. Manual burr grinders give you more control over the grinding process but require more physical effort. Electric burr grinders automate the grinding and are quicker and easier to use.
Blade grinders use a high-speed blade to chop and crush the coffee beans. The grind depends on how long the grinder runs. The grind sizeis inconsistent, with lots of fines and boulders.
Once you've measured out the beans, you're ready to grind them. Here's the step-by-step process for using a burr grinder:
Here are a few manual methods for grinding coffee beans without a grinder.
A mortar and pestle is one of the oldest tools used for grinding. Simply place the beans in the mortar and use the pestle to grind them down to your desired consistency.Start with a twisting motion, and then switch to pressing down for a finer grind.
This method gives you total control over the grind size. It's also as fresh as it gets since the beans are ground immediately before brewing. And no electricity is required.
However, it takes a lot of physical effort and patience, and the grind can be inconsistent.This inconsistency can lead to uneven extraction, affecting the final flavor of your coffee. Also, the mortar and pestle can overheat if used for long periods.
Place your coffee beans in a zip-lock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to crush the beans with moderate pressure. Roll back and forth until you achieve the desired coarseness. Be careful not to crush the bag or paper.
This technique is easy to do and great for travel and camping. It also helps prevent messes. The downside is that it's very difficult to get an even grind size.
While not ideal, a food processor or blender can be used in a pinch. Pulse a few seconds at a time to break down the beans without overheating the machine. Use short 1-2 second pulses and shake or stir between pulses for an even grind.
However, be cautious, as these appliances can overheat quickly and burn the grounds. Plus, don’t expect a fine grind.
When grinding your own coffee at home, you may encounter some common issues that affect the flavor and quality of your brew. Here are a few problems to watch out for:
An uneven grind means some particles are too fine while others are too coarse. This happens most often with blade grinders, which produce an inconsistent grind. The finer particles will over extract and taste bitter, while the coarser ones will under extract and taste weak or sour.
Excessive heat can burn the coffee grounds, resulting in a bitter, unpleasant taste. This typically occurs when grinding large batches in a blade grinder. The friction causes the blades and coffee to get hot.
Proper storage is necessary for maintaining your coffee's fresh-roasted flavor. Once the beans are ground, the clock starts ticking. Oxygen, light, heat, and moisture are all enemies of fresh-ground coffee.
The best way to store coffee grounds is in an airtight container, like a mason jar or opaque plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container somewhere cool, dry, and dark - like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid refrigeration because the temperature fluctuations and moisture in a fridge can degrade the coffee over time.
Coffee tastesbest when the grounds are freshly ground right before brewing. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your coffee grinder: