Coffee bean grinding degree, five levels of subtle effects on extraction and flavor

The grind degree of coffee beans is a key factor affecting coffee extraction and flavor. Different grind degrees can be divided into five levels, each of which has a subtle effect on the extraction efficiency and coffee flavor. Coarse grind is suitable for French press and cold brew, which can retain the original flavor of coffee beans. Medium grind is suitable for drip and hand brew, balancing the extraction rate. Fine grind is suitable for Italian coffee, which can fully extract the rich taste of coffee. And ultra-fine grind is suitable for high-pressure extraction, making the coffee more rich and bitter. Different grind degree options make the coffee flavor different, bringing different taste experiences to tea drinkers.

In the process of coffee making, the grinding degree is an often mentioned but controversial topic. The grinding degree of coffee beans not only affects the extraction time, but also has a profound impact on the final coffee flavor. This article will explore the five levels of coffee bean grinding degree and analyze its impact on extraction time and flavor, hoping to provide some inspiration for coffee lovers.

Level 1: Coarse Grinding

Coarsely ground coffee beans have larger particles and a relatively small surface contact area, so the extraction time is relatively long. During the brewing process, the water and coffee powder are not in contact for enough time, resulting in the inability to fully release the aroma and flavor of the coffee. Coffee with this degree of grinding usually tastes richer, but may have some bitterness. Due to its long extraction time, the coffee may also taste too strong and unbalanced.

Level 2: Medium Grinding

Medium grind is a more common grind degree, suitable for most household coffee machines. The coffee beans of this grind degree are moderate, which can ensure that the water and coffee powder are fully in contact during the extraction process, thereby extracting a balanced flavor of the coffee. The extraction time of medium-ground coffee is relatively moderate, which can avoid the problem of over-extraction or under-extraction.

Level 3: Fine Grinding

Finely ground coffee beans have smaller particles and a larger surface contact area, so the extraction speed is faster. During the brewing process, water can penetrate into the coffee powder faster and extract more flavor components. Coffee with this grinding degree usually has a richer flavor and delicate taste, but if the extraction time is not controlled well, over-extraction is easy to occur, causing the coffee to taste too bitter.

Level 4: Ultrafine Grinding

Ultrafinely ground coffee beans are very small, almost in powder form. Coffee of this grinding degree can dissolve quickly in water during extraction, and the extraction speed is very fast. Due to the small particles, the contact between water and coffee powder is more complete, and more flavor details can be extracted. Ultrafine grinding can also easily lead to over-extraction, making the coffee taste too strong or even too bitter, so the extraction time needs to be precisely controlled.

Level 5: Very finely ground (or called "powdered")

Coffee beans with this degree of grinding have almost lost their original particle shape and become close to a powder state. During the extraction process, the powdered coffee can quickly dissolve in water and almost no extraction time is required. Coffee with this degree of grinding often lacks layering, has a single and overly strong flavor, and because the particles are too small, they can easily clog the coffee machine head and are not suitable for daily use.

Coffee beans with different grinding degrees have different effects on extraction time and flavor. Choosing the right grinding degree requires comprehensive consideration based on the specific coffee machine, personal taste, and type of coffee beans. In the actual production process, we can adjust the grinding degree according to different needs and scenarios to produce coffee with rich layers and taste. However, it should be noted that over-grinding or under-grinding may result in loss of coffee flavor, so mastering the grinding degree of coffee beans is one of the keys to making delicious coffee.