If the grind is too coarse, water will pass through too quickly, resulting in a weak, watery coffee. On the other hand, if it’s too fine, the coffee will over-extract, creating an excessively bitter and intense beverage.
And this is where everything starts to make sense…
The Impact of an Incorrect Grind
Imagine investing in high-quality coffee and a professional espresso machine, only to end up with a lifeless espresso.
The secret lies in the extraction time—the process in which water passes through the ground coffee. To achieve a balanced espresso, this process should last between 25 and 30 seconds.
Why is this timing so important?
- If the water flows too fast (less than 25 seconds), the coffee won’t have enough time to release its full range of aromas and flavors, resulting in a weak and acidic drink.
- If the water flows too slowly (more than 30 seconds), the coffee will over-extract, becoming bitter and heavy.
The key is to adjust the grind so that the water flows within that ideal window, allowing you to extract only the best from the coffee.
And when everything depends on that level of precision… only a tool crafted with true expertise and a deep respect for coffee can make the difference.