What's the ideal dose for espresso?

Summary

In this video, Julia from Clive Coffee explores how adjusting your coffee dose can improve espresso extraction and flavor. She explains the relationship between dose size, grind size, and pre-infusion, highlighting the importance of balancing these factors to avoid issues like channeling. By experimenting with different doses and grind settings, espresso makers can fine-tune their shots for optimal taste. The key advice is to find the lowest dose before channeling occurs, which will vary based on your equipment and technique. Trial and error, along with careful tasting, are essential for perfecting your espresso.

Takeaways

• 😀 The dose of coffee is the amount of coffee in grams used in an espresso shot, and it plays a key role in the overall flavor and extraction process.
• 😀 A consistent dose should be maintained across shots, though it can be adjusted to optimize extraction for different espresso machines and baskets.
• 😀 Extraction refers to how much of the coffee's flavor is dissolved into the water, and achieving a balanced extraction is crucial for great espresso.
• 😀 The ideal extraction depends on several factors, including the coffee's freshness, grind size, water quality, brew ratio, and time allowed for extraction.
• 😀 Using a smaller dose can increase the likelihood of a more even extraction, but it requires precise adjustments in grind size and brewing technique.
• 😀 Smaller doses allow for a finer grind, which can improve extraction and flavor, but they also increase the risk of channeling.
• 😀 Channeling occurs when water flows through specific narrow paths in the coffee puck, leading to uneven extraction and unbalanced flavors.
• 😀 Finding the minimum dose that works without causing channeling is key to achieving the best espresso flavor.
• 😀 Pre-infusion is a technique that helps saturate the entire coffee bed before full pressure is applied, reducing the risk of channeling and improving extraction.
• 😀 The ideal pre-infusion time varies depending on the dose, with deeper beds or higher doses requiring longer pre-infusion times.
• 😀 The best dose for your espresso shot is the lowest dose that avoids channeling, and discovering this ideal dose requires trial, error, and regular tasting.

Q & A

Why do we typically use 18 grams of coffee for espresso shots?

The use of 18 grams is a common standard, often recommended for balanced extraction in most espresso machines. However, the exact dose can vary depending on factors like basket size, grind, and desired flavor profile.

Why is it important to keep your dose constant when pulling espresso shots?

Keeping the dose constant allows for consistency in your espresso shots. By maintaining a constant dose, you can more effectively experiment with other variables like grind size, brew ratio, and extraction time.

How does changing the dose affect the extraction of espresso?

Changing the dose directly impacts the extraction process. A higher dose increases the extraction time, while a lower dose can lead to quicker extractions. Both scenarios may require adjustments to grind size to maintain a balanced shot.

What role does grind size play in espresso extraction?

Grind size plays a critical role in espresso extraction. Finer grounds create more surface area for the water to interact with, leading to more complete extraction. If you adjust your dose, you may need to adjust the grind size to maintain optimal extraction.

What is channeling in espresso, and why is it problematic?

Channeling occurs when water flows through a narrow path in the coffee puck, leading to uneven extraction. This can cause over-extraction in some areas and under-extraction in others, resulting in an unbalanced, often unpleasant, flavor.

How does dose size affect the likelihood of channeling?

A smaller dose or lower bed depth increases the chances of channeling. When there's less coffee in the puck, the water has less material to interact with, making it easier for the water to find narrow paths and cause uneven extraction.

How does pre-infusion help in reducing channeling?

Pre-infusion saturates the entire coffee bed with water before the full pressure is applied. This ensures a more even extraction by giving the coffee grounds a chance to absorb water, reducing the likelihood of channeling during the main extraction phase.

What is the ideal amount of pre-infusion time?

The ideal pre-infusion time is the amount of time it takes for the coffee bed to fully saturate, right before the first drops of espresso begin to form. This time allows the grounds to absorb water evenly, ensuring a consistent extraction.

How does the basket size influence the espresso shot and dose?

The basket size directly affects the dose. For example, if you're using a smaller portafilter (like a 53mm), you'll need a smaller dose of coffee to maintain a similar extraction compared to a larger portafilter (like a 58mm). Adjusting the dose helps achieve consistent extractions based on the basket size.

Why is trial and error important in finding the right espresso dose?

Trial and error is crucial because the ideal dose varies depending on individual factors like the espresso machine, grinder, and personal taste preferences. Experimenting with different doses allows you to find the sweet spot before experiencing issues like channeling or under-extraction.