How to choose the right grind of ground coffee?

The way to prepare hot or cold coffee drinks varies according to the desired result. Short and strong coffee, filter coffee, oriental coffee, cold coffee or long coffee are not prepared in the same way. Although they all require the use of ground coffee, these various caffeinated drinks require the use of coffee powders or grinds with different characteristics.

Thus, it is possible to distinguish between extra-fine, fine, medium and thick grinds. The choice of a particular ground coffee also depends on the machine and utensil used, such as the automatic coffee machine, the Italian coffee maker, the piston coffee maker or the Oriental ibrik.

How to differentiate between these different grinds? Which grind should I choose according to the type of coffee I want to prepare? How do you select your ground coffee according to the appliance or utensil used? Here is a look at coffee grinds and their specificities.

What is coffee grinding?

The grinding of a coffee is the coffee powder obtained after the coffee beans have passed through a coffee mill or a grinder dedicated to this purpose. The grinding of coffee can only be obtained after it has been roasted. It is therefore the last step in the processing of coffee before brewing or extracting the coffee into a beverage. Coffee grinds vary according to the beverage to be prepared. We distinguish the following categories of grinds:

extra-fine grinding;
fine grinding ;
the medium grind ;
the coarse grind.

The coffee grind must be chosen with care. Indeed, the extraction and the quality of the coffee in desired drink depend among other things on the texture of this powder.

How to recognize the grind of a coffee?

It is possible to distinguish between coffee grinds visually and by touch.

Extra-fine coffee grinds can be recognized by their powdery appearance. It looks very much like flour when you hold it between your thumb and forefinger.
The fine grind, on the other hand, has an appearance similar to that of fine salt. To the touch, it has a slightly granular appearance.
The medium or coarse grind visually resembles crystal sugar or coarse salt.

Using one grind of coffee more than another has an impact on the coffee, both in terms of taste (richness of aroma and full-bodied flavor) and caffeine content. For example, using a thick grind when making espresso coffee will result in a diluted, poorly flavored coffee. On the other hand, using an extra-fine grind in the preparation of a filter coffee will result in a very bitter coffee.

Which grind should I choose to make my coffee?

The selection of the coffee grind to be used depends on the beverage you wish to prepare (extraction method), but also on the type of machine used.

The grind necessary for the preparation of espresso coffee

Espresso coffee is a short coffee with a creamy layer of reddish-brown or golden color (crema) on top. The ideal grind for this type of hot beverage is fine (not extra fine). The extraction time for espresso coffee is about 30 seconds, during which the grind is exposed to heated and pressurized water. This short period of time requires the use of a fine grind, which increases the surface area of the coffee exposed to the water. It also facilitates the flow of water through the grind and allows time for the coffee aromas to pass into the water.

Extra-fine, medium or thick grinds are unsuitable for this preparation method.

The grind to use for oriental coffee

The coffee prepared in an ibrik or an oriental coffee maker (Turkish coffee for example) requires the use of an extra-fine grind. It is a very strong coffee due to the preparation process. Indeed, the coffee is exposed to water for several minutes, over low or medium heat. Afterwards, the coffee grounds are not filtered. The hot coffee (with the grounds) is poured into the coffee cups, hence the need to let the grounds settle before enjoying your Turkish coffee.

The ideal grind for filter coffee

Filter coffee is obtained by pouring hot, even simmering, water over a coffee grind, while letting the beverage flow without using pressure thanks to a filter. This operation has a duration that varies according to the machines and can go from 1 minute 30 to 5 minutes. Therefore, it is necessary to use a medium grind. Thus, in comparison with espresso coffee, the preparation of filter coffee is very slow.

The best grind for a piston coffee maker

The piston coffee maker makes it possible to separate the coffee grounds from the beverage, thanks to a piston that is lowered manually. The coffee has been allowed to brew for several minutes (5 or 7 minutes). Since the brewing time is rather long, it is possible to use a medium or even coarse grind when preparing a coffee with this type of utensil. The thicker the grind, the longer the brewing time.

The grind to choose for an Italian coffee maker

The Italian coffee maker allows the preparation of coffee with a fine grind. It is possible to opt for a special Italian coffee maker to ensure that the right grind is used. Making coffee with an Italian coffee maker is very simple. This utensil is composed of two compartments, between which a filter is inserted. The lower part of this utensil is used to store water, while the filter is used to accommodate the dose of ground coffee. The upper part of the coffee maker is equipped with a chimney used to bring up the extracted coffee.

Once the coffee maker is set on medium heat, it only takes a few minutes for the water to heat up, pass through the filter containing the coffee, before rising through the central chimney.

Ultimately, coffee grinds should be chosen primarily based on the length of time the beverage is prepared and brewed. The selection of the ground coffee therefore depends on the method of extraction of the coffee chosen. For short, strong coffees such as espresso, it is best to choose a fine grind. Thicker grinds should be used for coffees where the grind is exposed to water for a long time, such as filter coffee.

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How to choose the right grind of ground coffee