The Role of Grind Size in Coffee Flavor
Why does the same batch of beans sometimes end up tasting sour while at other times it tastes bitter? It mostly depends on the size of the grind. Grind size affects the rate of extraction by water. Before switching the type of beans you are using, check your grind size first. The best coffee grinder can give you sweeter coffee fast. What Is Grind Size, and Why Does It Matter? The grind size means the size of the ground coffee. A finer grind means more surface area, which speeds up extraction. A coarse grind has less surface area, so extraction takes longer. The optimal extraction is between 18% and 22%. In case of under-extraction, your espresso will taste sour and sharp, while in case of over-extraction, you will have dry and bitter espresso. Surface Area And Contact Time It is true that grind and timing complement each other. Espresso needs a fine grind and a total of 25 to 30 seconds when under pressure. A pour-over needs a medium-fine grind and a duration of 3 to 4 minutes. A Fren...