Coffee Grind and Preparation
A good coffee begins with the right preparation, and grind size plays a
crucial role in this. Whether you want to enjoy the complex variety of flavors
of a Single Estate & Single Origin coffee, prefer the harmonious blend of a
Fine Coffee Blend, or be enticed by the alluring aromas of a Flavoured Coffee -
the preparation method and grind size are essential to unlock the full potential
of your coffee. Below, we will show you the different preparation
recommendations for these various types of coffee and provide you with other
useful tips for preparation so you can enjoy your coffee to the
fullest.
The optimum grind for your coffee maker
For each brewing method, a specific grind size is required to fully extract
the flavor of the coffee. Finely ground coffee yields a more intense taste,
while coarsely ground coffee produces a lighter flavor.
Portafilter machine
Grind Size and Dosage: Very fine grind setting, 1 coffee
scoop per cup (approximately 25 ml).
Preparation: Gently
tamp the ground coffee in the portafilter for household machines. If the grind
size is too coarse, this can be compensated for by pressing the coffee grounds
more firmly.
Our Coffee Recommendation: All of our espressos, such as the
particularly spicy and full-bodied Espresso No.3, the robust and strong
Siziliano, our mild, balanced Don Vito, or the spicy yet balanced Star of
Italy.
Fully automatic coffee machine
Grind Size, Dosage & Preparation: Very fine grind
setting. For these machines, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
Our Coffee Recommendation: Espresso Don
Vito, Star of Italy.
Espresso Maker
Grind Size and Dosage: Fine to medium grind setting,
depending on strength, 1 coffee scoop per cup or a fully filled filter
basket.
Preparation: Pour hot water into the espresso
maker up to just below the valve level, insert the filter, and fill with coffee.
Then place the espresso maker on the stove at medium to high heat and let it
simmer. The water is forced up through the coffee-filled filter into the
collecting container by pressure. Once it starts to hiss, the pot should be
removed from the stove. Now the coffee can be poured into a preheated espresso
cup and enjoyed.
Tip: Coffee can become bitter if the temperature is too high
and the brewing time is too long, as the coffee grounds can burn. Additionally,
a poorly cleaned pot can negatively affect the taste.
Our Coffee
Recommendation: Espresso No. 3, Espresso
Siziliano.
AeroPress
Grind Size and Dosage: Fine to medium grind setting, 1 scoop
per cup or 16 g of coffee grounds for 200 ml of
water.
Preparation: Place a paper filter in the filter
cap and rinse once. Add ground coffee to the AeroPress brewing chamber and fill
to three-quarters full with 90°C hot water. Stir, add remaining water, and let
steep for approximately 1.5 minutes. Screw on the filter cap, flip the
AeroPress, and slowly press the Plunger.
Tip: Alternatively, coffee can also be
prepared with the AeroPress using a fine metal filter.
Our Coffee
Recommendation: All of our coffee specialties, whether blend, single
origin, or single estate.
Chemex
Grind Size and Dosage: Medium grind setting, 1 tablespoon
per cup or 38 g for 600 ml of water.
Preparation: Place
the pre-folded paper filter with three layers in the front and one layer in the
back of the Chemex and rinse once with hot water. Evenly distribute ground
coffee. Pour a little 96°C hot water over the coffee grounds, wetting them, and
let them bloom for 30 seconds. Add remaining water and let it drip through.
Brewing time: 4-5 minutes. Gently swirl the carafe and enjoy your
coffee.
Tip: Brewing with the Chemex brewer is as straightforward as
using a pour-over. However, the result is an exceptionally clear coffee because
Chemex paper filters are thicker and finer-pored than regular coffee
filters.
Our Coffee Recommendation: All of our coffee
specialties, whether blend, single origin, or single estate.
Filtered coffee / Traditional pour-over
Grind Size and Dosage: Medium grind setting, 1 tablespoon
per cup (approximately 200 ml).
Preparation: The ideal
temperature for pour-over brewing is between 92 - 96°C. This can be achieved by
letting the water rest for one minute after boiling. Moisten the ground coffee
in the filter with a little water and let it bloom for 30 seconds. Then pour
steadily until the desired amount is reached. The coffee should take about three
to four minutes to drip through the filter to fully develop its
flavor.
Tip: Ideally, use a stainless steel or gold filter instead
of a paper filter, as it doesn't retain the delicate aromatic oils. Pouring the
water in a pulsating manner results in a more flavorful and full-bodied coffee
compared to a steady pour. Allow the coffee to fully drain between
pours.
Our Coffee Recommendation: All of our coffee
specialties, whether blend, single origin, or single estate.
French Press / Cafetière / Press Pot
Grind Size and Dosage: Coarsest grind setting, 1 tablespoon
per cup (approximately 200 ml), or 60 g per
liter.
Preparation: Fill the French press with coffee
until two fingers below the rim. Pour in water that is just off boiling and stir
vigorously. Wait for 1 minute, stir again, and then close the vessel with the
plunger lid. After another 3 minutes of steeping time, lower the plunger without
applying pressure. Stirring twice ensures that all coffee particles absorb water
and settle slowly.
Tip: With this method, coffee's natural oils and aromatic
compounds are not filtered out, resulting in a fuller-bodied
coffee.
Our Coffee Recommendation: All of our coffee
specialties, whether blend, single origin, or single estate, and of course, our
flavored coffee creations as well.
Cold Brew
Grind Size and Dosage: Coarse grind setting, 100 g per 1,000
ml.
Preparation: To prepare, fill the coarse-ground
coffee into the filter of the Cold Brew maker and add 1000 ml of cold water.
Stir well, ensuring the coffee grounds are completely covered. Then seal the
brewer and let the coffee steep in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
Remove the filter and enjoy over ice.
Tip: Explore our
recipes for two delicious Cold Brew Coffee ideas!
Our Coffee Recommendation: All of our coffee specialties,
whether blend, single origin, or single estate, and of course, our flavored
coffee creations as well.
The Effects of Incorrect Grind Size and Dosage
Using overly fine grind size or excessive amounts of coffee grounds can lead
to over-extraction, resulting in a bitter, sour, and overly strong-tasting
brewed coffee. For instance, using very fine powder in a French Press may result
in it not settling fully at the bottom but partially rising
again.
Conversely, using a too coarse grind or insufficient amount of
coffee leads to under-extraction, resulting in a watery and flavorless
coffee.
Recommendations for Proper Coffee Storage
After the roasting process, the freshness of coffee diminishes with each
subsequent processing step. Green coffee beans can be stored for many years
under optimal storage conditions, while roasted coffee retains its flavor for
only about two weeks unless stored in an airtight package.
Grinding
coffee accelerates the loss of its unique aroma even more, as a significant
portion of the flavor is lost within a few days after grinding. It is therefore
advisable to grind the coffee just before brewing to enjoy its full
aroma.
Our five best tips for an unforgettable coffee experience:
1. Dosage
The correct dosage of coffee grounds
significantly influences the strength, flavor, and digestibility of the coffee.
Typically, 6-8 grams of ground coffee per cup are recommended.
2.
Water Quality
Coffee consists of 98% water. Ideal coffee water
should be rich in minerals and oxygen. Water that is too hard, calcareous, or
chlorinated is unsuitable. The heating time should be short.
3.
Brewing Temperature and Time
Optimal brewing temperature is 92 -
96°C, with a brewing time of 4-6 minutes.
4. Storage Time and
Temperature
Coffee should be brewed for immediate use and consumed
promptly (within half an hour).
5. Storage
The
greatest enemies of coffee aroma are oxygen and moisture. Store the coffee dry,
cool (e.g., in the refrigerator), and odor-free. The original packaging provides
aroma-safe storage, preferably in a storage container. Note that coffee residues
can become rancid over time.
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