Do coffee beans have to be ground?

Do coffee beans have to be ground?

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and coffee beans are the key ingredient for making coffee. For coffee lovers, they often debate a question: Do you have to grind coffee beans before you can brew delicious coffee? This article will discuss this question.

1. Coffee beans and grinding

First, we need to understand what coffee beans are and what grinding is. Simply put, coffee beans are the seeds obtained from the fruits of certain plants after being taken out and processed. The so-called grinding refers to the uneven size and density of the whole or part of the particles, which will affect the taste and flavor to varying degrees.

In order to make a delicious cup of coffee, choosing the right level of fineness and processing it for the appropriate time becomes one of the important steps.

2. Research findings

In recent years, many studies have explored the grinding of coffee beans. One experiment conducted by American scientists found that grinding coffee beans immediately before brewing can make the coffee produced fresher and more fragrant. This is because when the coffee beans are broken, the chemical substances inside are in contact with the air more, thus releasing more substances that are beneficial to taste and flavor.

Other experiments have also proven the same thing. For example, in another experiment, scientists found that whole coffee beans produced better tasting and richer flavor when compared with ground coffee that had been stored in a container.

3. Crushing degree and brewing method

However, not everyone likes to buy or grow their own fresh or pre-stored coffee to best preserve the flavor and taste. Depending on personal taste and brewing method, the degree of grinding will vary.

For example, for those who use a drip coffee maker, a finer grind size is ideal, while for those who use a French press or espresso machine, a coarser grind size is needed for best results.

4. Keep coffee beans fresh

Another factor to consider is the freshness of coffee beans. Whole beans that are not broken, well-preserved and placed in a suitable environment (avoiding direct sunlight, moisture, etc.) can maintain their flavor characteristics for a long time. However, once they are broken into powder, they will quickly lose their freshness and are more susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air, resulting in flavor loss.

Therefore, when buying coffee, if you cannot grind and brew it immediately, it is recommended to choose whole coffee beans that have not been crushed and preserved intact to extend the time window for flavor characteristics and taste experience.

5. Conclusion

In summary, although there is controversy over whether coffee beans must be ground, most experts and coffee lovers believe that grinding coffee beans before brewing can achieve better taste and flavor. Different brewing methods require different degrees of fineness. At the same time, keeping the whole coffee beans unbroken can extend the time window of its flavor characteristics and taste experience.

The most important thing is that when enjoying a cup of delicious coffee, choose one that suits your preference, is fresh, and well-preserved to the right degree of fineness to best preserve the flavor and taste characteristics.