The science behind coffee beans: grinding, brewing and taste!

Coffee is a must-have drink for many people every morning, but have you ever thought about the science behind coffee? From grinding to brewing to taste, every step has its scientific principles.

First, let's look at grinding your coffee beans. To make a delicious cup of coffee, it's important to choose the right grind. Different grind sizes affect the contact area between the water and the coffee beans and the extraction rate. Coarser particles will allow water to pass through faster, while finer particles will take longer to reach the ideal concentration. Therefore, your desired brewing method and personal taste need to be considered when choosing the appropriate machine or hand tool for grinding.

Next is the science involved in the brewing process. One of the most important factors in the brewing process is temperature control. Water temperature that is too high may increase bitterness, while temperature that is too low may not fully extract the rich aroma compounds contained in the coffee beans. It is generally recommended to use a water temperature of 92-96°C (198-205°F) to maximize the flavor extraction of the coffee beans.

In addition, brewing time is also an important factor affecting the taste. Too short a brewing time may make the coffee tasteless, while too long a brewing time may make the coffee bitter. Depending on the brewing method and personal preference, it is usually recommended to brew between 2-4 minutes.

Finally, let’s talk about the taste. In addition to grinding and brewing, other factors such as water quality and drinking containers will also affect the taste. Hard water (containing more calcium and magnesium) may increase bitterness, while soft water is easier to extract the aroma substances in coffee beans. In addition, when choosing a drinking container, you should pay attention to whether the material has an impact on heat preservation and taste.

In summary, when making a delicious cup of coffee, you need to consider the grinding degree, temperature control, brewing time and other factors such as water quality and drinking container. Only by guiding us to make the right choices at each step and adjusting the parameters according to personal preferences can we enjoy a cup of coffee with rich taste.