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| Most espresso is sold in whole beans
so that it can be ground just before preparation, bringing out the full flavor
potential of the coffee bean.
The perfect grind is critical to creating
the perfect espresso:
If too course, the water will run through the filter
too quickly and fail to extract flavors.
If too fine, coffee particles will
block the filter and prevent the water from reaching the cup.
Grinders
contain two grinding wheels, one that spins and one that is stationary and enables
the adjustment of the grind. The grinding wheels can be either flat or cone shaped.
Especially in smaller grinders, conical grinders offer several advantages over
flat wheels: they last longer (2,200 lbs. or 1,000 kg. vs. 1,100 lbs. or 500 kg.),
they create a more consistent grind, and the wheels spin at a lower revolution
(around 300 per minute), which results in less friction temperature in the grinder
which can cause flavor deterioration. Grinder wheels must be serviced and replaced
whenever the first signs of wear and tear become evident (inconsistent grind,
strange noises, ever finer grind settings).
Timing your espresso to
25 seconds will tell you if the grind on the grinder is set correctly:
If
ready earlier and the coffee is thin and watery, then the grind is too course.
If it takes longer than 25 seconds and the coffee is bitter and intense,
the grind is too fine. | |
