How to grind coffee

If you want to enjoy delicious coffee at home, we recommend buying whole beans instead of powder. However, if you buy beans, you may be wondering, "How do I grind them?" and "What is the correct way to grind them?"

Grinding coffee requires tools, and the taste changes depending on the size of the beans, so it can be a little confusing at first. However, if you understand the key points, you will be able to make a more delicious coffee. Here, we will introduce why coffee beans are ground and the difference in taste depending on the grinding method.

The benefits of buying coffee beans and grinding them at home

You might be thinking, "If I'm going to grind it eventually, wouldn't it be easier to just buy it as powder from the start?" However, there are many benefits to buying whole beans and grinding them just before brewing.

The aroma becomes richer

The aroma of coffee gradually escapes from the surface of the beans. When ground, the surface area increases, causing the aromatic components to evaporate more quickly. For this reason, grinding the beans just before brewing will allow you to enjoy a fresher, richer aroma.

Longer shelf life

Storing beans as beans helps prevent the loss of aromatic compounds, allowing them to be enjoyed for a longer period of time. While labeling may vary slightly depending on the store, the expiration date for unopened beans is set at two months and one month for ground beans. This is because the aroma is more likely to lose when ground. However, some people may be concerned that beans will oxidize if stored for a long period of time. However, if stored properly in a cool, dark place, oxidation does not actually progress that much. This is because coffee beans contain many compounds that are resistant to oxidation. Even so, if coffee brewed with beans stored for a long time seems to have a worse flavor, it is mainly due to the loss of aromatic compounds rather than oxidation.

The aroma of ground coffee beans "fragrance"

You can enjoy the aroma of coffee not only when it is brewing or drinking. In fact, you can also enjoy a special aroma at the moment the beans are ground. Roasted coffee beans have many tiny holes that are packed with aromatic compounds. When the beans are ground, they are broken down into small pieces, and the trapped aroma is released all at once. This freshly ground aroma is called "fragrance" and is one of the charms of coffee. Coffee sold in powder form has already lost much of its aroma. Therefore, the rich aroma that spreads when the beans are ground is a special pleasure that can only be experienced with freshly ground coffee. To enjoy coffee more deeply, be sure to enjoy the aroma at the moment the beans are ground.

The difference in taste depending on how you grind (the size of the grains)

The taste of coffee varies greatly not only depending on the roasting level and brewing method, but also on how it is ground (the size of the grains).

Affects the balance of sourness and bitterness

The acidity and bitterness that characterize coffee's flavor depend on the speed of extraction. Acidic components dissolve easily in water (hot water) and are extracted in a short time, while bitter components dissolve slowly. Therefore, the balance of flavor changes depending on how the coffee is ground.

You can change the taste by adjusting the grind size

Even if you use the same coffee beans, the taste will change depending on how you grind them.

Coarse grinding produces a clean, light taste. It is suitable for methods that extract the ingredients by steeping in water (hot water) for a long time, such as French press and Nel drip. It is characterized by its prominent acidity and mellow flavor.

A medium grind has a good balance of acidity and bitterness, resulting in a mild taste. It is suitable for paper drip and is easy to drink for many people. We recommend starting with this grind and then fine-tuning to suit your taste.

Fine grinding enhances the richness and pronounced bitterness. It is suitable for espresso and moka pots, where high pressure is used for short periods of time. It is perfect for those who want a rich flavor.

If you want a strong sour taste, we recommend a coarse grind, if you want a good balance, we recommend a medium grind, and if you want a strong bitter taste and rich flavor, we recommend a fine grind. Try adjusting the grind to suit your taste.

summary

The way you grind coffee can make a big difference in its flavor. Find the grinding method that suits your taste and enjoy delicious coffee!