Master the key techniques of grinding coffee beans

The grind size of coffee beans has a crucial impact on the flavor of coffee. Generally speaking, coarser grinds are suitable for French presses and cold brew coffee, while finer grinds are suitable for espresso machines. Coarse grinds will slow down the extraction speed of coffee, making the coffee taste relatively light; fine grinds will increase the extraction time and may make the coffee too bitter.

When choosing a grind size, you need to consider the coffee equipment you are using. For example, pour-over coffee usually requires a medium-fine grind to evenly extract the flavor. For an espresso machine, a finer grind is required to ensure that the high-pressure extraction produces a thick coffee crema.

Common grinding problems include too coarse or too fine ground coffee, resulting in coffee that doesn't taste as expected. If the coffee tastes too bitter, it may be because the ground is too fine or the extraction time is too long; if the coffee tastes bland, it may be because the ground is too coarse or the extraction time is too long. Adjusting the grinding coarseness and extraction time can effectively improve the taste of the coffee.

Effects of water temperature and quality on coffee flavor

Water temperature plays a key role in the coffee extraction process. Generally speaking, the best extraction temperature is 90 to 96 degrees Celsius. If the water temperature is too high, too many bitter substances in the coffee will be extracted, and the coffee will taste too bitter; while if the water temperature is too low, the extraction will be insufficient, and the coffee taste will become bland and weak.

In addition, choosing a good quality water source is also crucial to the taste of coffee. The mineral components in the water will affect the flavor of the coffee. The minerals in hard water may react with the chemicals in the coffee beans and affect the taste. Therefore, using filtered water or bottled water is an effective way to improve the taste of coffee.

In actual operation, it is recommended to use water with adjustable temperature

A Practical Guide to Solving Common Coffee Brewing Problems

In the process of brewing coffee, you often encounter some problems, such as the taste is too bitter or too light. For these problems, understanding the causes and taking corresponding adjustments can help you make coffee that tastes better.

If your coffee tastes too bitter, it's usually because you brewed it too long or ground it too finely. The solution is to shorten the brewing time or grind the coffee a little coarser. Also, making sure the water temperature is between 90 and 96 degrees Celsius can help reduce bitterness.

On the other hand, if the coffee tastes too weak, it may be because the extraction time is too short or the coffee powder is too coarse. In this case, you can increase the extraction time or grind the coffee powder finer. In addition, checking the ratio of coffee beans to water to ensure that the amount of coffee powder used is enough can also improve the concentration of the coffee.

In addition, the water quality and cleanliness of the equipment will also affect the flavor of the coffee. Using fresh filtered water and cleaning the coffee machine regularly can effectively avoid flavor problems caused by water quality or equipment residue.

Best Ways to Enjoy and Store Fresh Coffee

The best time to enjoy fresh coffee is within 15 to 30 minutes after it is brewed. At this time, the flavor and aroma of the coffee are at their strongest. The taste of coffee will gradually fade over time, so try to drink it within a short period of time after brewing to maximize its unique flavor.

For unused coffee beans, the correct storage method is very important. Coffee beans should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Avoid storing coffee beans in the refrigerator, as the humidity in the refrigerator will affect the quality of the coffee beans.

If you need to store coffee beans for a long time, you can consider dividing the coffee beans into small portions and freezing them in freezer bags. Take out the required amount each time you use it, and avoid frequent thawing and refreezing to keep the coffee beans fresh. Remember to return the coffee beans to room temperature before use to avoid affecting the flavor of the coffee.