Understanding the Role of Time in a Brew Recipe - Chasing Perfect Coffee Extractions

Summary

In this informative coffee tutorial, Luke from Artisti Coffee demystifies the timing of coffee extractions and its role in brewing recipes. He explains the importance of measuring time from the moment water is activated, emphasizing the 30-32 second extraction window for a 22.5g coffee dose. Luke also discusses the impact of coffee grind, bloom, and pre-infusion on extraction time, providing practical tips for achieving the perfect cup. The video offers insights into coffee expansion, extraction ratios, and the significance of timing for optimal flavor.

Takeaways

• 🕒 The three key components of a coffee brew recipe are dose (amount of coffee grounds), yield (amount of liquid extracted), and extraction time.
• ⏱️ Extraction time is measured from the moment water is activated to when liquid starts entering the cup, with a focus on the 30-32 second window for a 22.5g coffee dose.
• 📲 Utilizing built-in timers on coffee machines or using a smartphone can help measure extraction time accurately.
• 🔢 A digital scale that starts timing when liquid is detected can also be used to measure extraction time.
• 💧 Pre-infusion is the time water is in contact with coffee before it starts being extracted into the cup, which is important for understanding the brewing process.
• 🌱 Coffee expansion is a key factor in extraction, with fresher coffee expanding more than older coffee, affecting extraction time.
• 📏 The grind size and coffee bed expansion are crucial for determining extraction time and should be adjusted based on the coffee's age and freshness.
• 🔍 Observing the 'wobble' during extraction can indicate when to stop the process for optimal flavor.
• 📈 A finer grind requires more time for extraction, while a coarser grind can extract too quickly if not managed properly.
• 📊 The relationship between dose, yield, and time is essential for achieving a balanced coffee extraction, with adjustments made based on the coffee's characteristics.
• 📅 The age of the coffee can impact its expansion and extraction time, with fresher coffee generally providing better extraction within the recommended time frame.

Q & A

What are the three main parts of a coffee brew recipe?

The three main parts of a coffee brew recipe are the dose (the amount of coffee used), the yield (the amount of liquid coffee produced), and the time (the duration of the extraction process).

Why is it important to measure the time from pressing the button to when water starts to extract the coffee?

Measuring this time is crucial because it helps in understanding the pre-infusion phase, where water touches the coffee before actual extraction. This phase impacts the coffee's flavor and consistency.

What is pre-infusion and why is it important?

Pre-infusion is the amount of time water is in contact with the coffee before it starts entering the cup. It allows the coffee to expand and fill any gaps, ensuring even extraction and improving the final flavor.

How does the grind size affect the extraction time?

A finer grind size increases the extraction time because it creates more resistance for the water, while a coarser grind decreases the extraction time by allowing water to flow through more quickly.

What visual cues indicate a good coffee extraction?

Good extraction is indicated by a rich, dark flow of coffee at the start, followed by a slight wobble in the stream, which shows the coffee bed is expanding and releasing pressure. The extraction should end with minimal pale spots and bubbles.

What happens if the coffee is ground too fine or too coarse?

If the coffee is ground too fine, it can cause over-extraction, resulting in a bitter taste. If it's too coarse, it can cause under-extraction, leading to a weak, sour taste.

Why might the extraction time vary even with the same dose and yield?

Extraction time can vary due to the grind size and the freshness of the coffee. Finer grinds and fresher coffee typically require longer extraction times, while coarser grinds and older coffee extract faster.

How does the freshness of coffee beans affect the extraction process?

Fresher coffee beans expand more during extraction, which can slow down the process. Older beans don't expand as much, leading to a faster extraction.

What role does the coffee bed expansion play in the extraction process?

The expansion of the coffee bed helps to ensure even extraction by filling any gaps or channels in the coffee puck, which allows for a more consistent flow of water through the coffee.

What is the significance of the 'wobble' observed during the extraction process?

The wobble indicates that the coffee bed is expanding and releasing pressure. This is a good sign that the extraction is progressing well and nearing completion.