Pour-over coffee grind size: Finding the perfect balance

Pour-over coffee bean grind size: Finding the perfect balance

In the world of pour-over coffee, grind size is a crucial factor. It directly affects the flavor and mouthfeel of the coffee. Grinding too coarsely or too finely will lead to undesirable results. Therefore, we need to find a perfect balance to ensure that every cup of pour-over coffee is at its best.

Why is choosing the right grind size important?

First, let's understand why choosing the right grind is so important. Different coarseness of coffee beans can release different levels and types of flavor compounds. If you grind the beans too finely, the water will flow through them too quickly when it comes into contact with them and will not be able to fully extract all the flavor compounds; if you grind the beans too coarsely, the water will flow too slowly when it comes into contact with them, resulting in insufficient extraction.

Secondly, it is also very important to use the right size of particles for hand extraction. Larger particles may cause the water to pass through for a longer time, resulting in over-extraction of bitter substances. Smaller particles may cause the water to pass through for too short a time, resulting in insufficient acidity in the coffee.

How to choose the right grind size?

So, how do you choose the right grind? This requires considering several factors:

1. Types and origins of coffee beans: Coffee beans of different types and origins have different characteristics. Generally speaking, strong coffee (such as Brazil and Colombia) is suitable for medium to coarse particles, while coffee with a stronger acidity (such as Ethiopia and Kenya) is suitable for slightly finer particles.

2. Type of hand-pour equipment: The hand-pour equipment will also affect the required grind size. For example, a French press usually requires coarser particles; while a V60 filter cup requires relatively fine grinds.

3. Personal taste preference: Everyone has their own taste preference. If you like a stronger and heavier taste, you can choose a slightly coarser grind; if you like a more refreshing and acidic taste, you can choose a slightly finer grind.

How do I adjust the grind size?

In pour-over coffee, adjusting the grind size is a gradual process of trial and error. Here are some suggestions:

1. Start with medium coarse: If you are not sure how fine or coarse your grain size should be, start with medium coarse. This will help you find a balance.

2. Observe the water flow time: The time it takes for water to pass through the coffee bed is used to determine whether adjustments are needed. If the water flow rate is too fast, the particles are too large; if the water flow rate is too slow, the particles are too small.

3. Adjust and try again: Make appropriate adjustments based on your observations and try brewing again. Repeat this process until you find the best balance.

Summarize

The grind size of hand-poured coffee beans is one of the key factors affecting the taste and mouthfeel. In order to find the perfect balance, we need to consider the type and origin of the coffee beans, the type of hand-poured equipment, and personal taste preferences. Through gradual trial and error and observing the water passing time, we can adjust the grind size and ultimately achieve the ideal taste and mouthfeel.

In the world of hand-brewed coffee, it is also fun to explore the flavor changes brought by different grinding degrees. Therefore, let us experience and try carefully and find our own perfect balance!