Espresso Fundamentals | Grind & Extraction

Summary

In this Wolfe College of Coffee episode, the focus is on achieving the perfect espresso through grind and extraction. The ideal brew ratio for a double espresso is 1 to 2, with 20 grams in and 40 grams out, extracted in 27 to 30 seconds. The grind size is crucial, as it affects the extraction rate; coarse grinds are like rocks with large spaces allowing water to pass quickly, while fine grinds are like sand with little space, slowing the flow. Over-extraction results in bitter, burnt flavors, while under-extraction yields sour, salty tastes. The goal is a balanced, well-extracted coffee with a pleasant aftertaste and clean finish.

Takeaways

• ☕ The ideal brew ratio for a double espresso is 1 to 2, meaning 20 grams of coffee in and 40 grams of liquid out.
• ⏱ Achieving the correct brew ratio within the desired time frame is crucial for the perfect espresso; 27 to 30 seconds for double espresso and 18 to 20 seconds for double ristretto.
• 🔄 The grind size of the coffee directly affects extraction time; coarser grinds allow water to pass through quickly, while finer grinds slow it down.
• 🪨 Imagine water being poured over rocks versus sand to understand how grind size impacts extraction: rocks (coarse) allow fast flow, sand (fine) allow slow, controlled flow.
• 🚫 Avoid under-extraction, which results in a sour and underdeveloped taste, often described as salty on the palate.
• 🚫 Over-extraction leads to a bitter and burnt taste, with a lingering, unpleasant aftertaste that can cause a drying sensation in the mouth.
• 🍇 Aim for perfectly extracted coffee that is flavorful, balanced, with bright acidity, and a pleasant, lingering aftertaste.
• ⚖️ Weighing the coffee and the liquid output is important, but it's equally important to ensure the extraction happens within the desired time frame.
• ⏲️ Time is a critical factor in espresso making, as it ensures the coffee doesn't become over or under-extracted, affecting the final taste.

Q & A

What is the focus of the Wolfe College of Coffee video?

The focus of the video is on how to achieve the perfect espresso, specifically discussing the grind size and extraction time.

What is the ideal brew ratio for a double espresso according to the video?

The ideal brew ratio for a double espresso is 1 to 2, meaning 20 grams of coffee in and 40 grams of liquid out.

What is the target extraction time for a double espresso?

The target extraction time for a double espresso is about 27 to 30 seconds.

How does the grind size of the coffee affect the extraction time?

The grind size affects the extraction time by determining the flow rate of water through the coffee. Coarser grinds allow water to flow through quickly, while finer grinds slow it down.

What is the analogy used in the video to explain the effect of grind size on extraction?

The video uses the analogy of two buckets with holes at the bottom, one filled with rocks (representing coarse grind) and the other with sand (representing fine grind), to illustrate how water flows through them at different rates.

What is the consequence of an espresso being extracted too quickly?

If an espresso is extracted too quickly, it will under-extract, resulting in a sour taste with a short finish and an underdeveloped flavor profile.

What does an over-extracted espresso taste like?

An over-extracted espresso tastes bitter, with a burnt flavor and a lingering, unpleasant aftertaste that can create a drying sensation on the palate.

Why is achieving the desired yield in the desired time crucial for espresso quality?

Achieving the desired yield in the desired time is crucial because it ensures the coffee is neither over-extracted nor under-extracted, leading to a balanced, flavorful, and pleasant-tasting espresso.

What is the target extraction time for a double ristretto?

The target extraction time for a double ristretto is about 18 to 20 seconds.

What does the video suggest as the ideal taste profile for a perfectly extracted espresso?

The ideal taste profile for a perfectly extracted espresso is one that is flavorsome, has a lingering pleasant aftertaste, is juicy with bright acidity, and is balanced and clean.