I love starting my mornings with a perfect cup of pour over coffee. There’s something about the aroma and the taste that just sets the tone for the day ahead. But what makes a pour over coffee truly perfect? Well, one important factor is the grind size of the coffee beans. In this guide, I will walk you through the different grind sizes and help you understand what grind coffee for pour over.
Understanding Pour Over Coffee
Before we dive into the world of grind size, let’s take a moment to understand what pour over coffee is. Pour over is a manual brewing method that involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds placed in a filter. The water slowly drips through the filter, extracting the flavors and oils from the coffee grounds and resulting in a clean, vibrant cup of coffee.
The Importance of Grind Size
Grind size plays a crucial role in the pour over brewing process. It determines how fast or slow the water will flow through the coffee grounds and ultimately affects the extraction. If the grind is too fine, the water will struggle to pass through, resulting in a bitter and over-extracted cup. On the other hand, if the grind is too coarse, the water will flow through too quickly, leading to a weak and under-extracted brew.
Different Grind Sizes
Now that we understand the significance of grind size let’s explore the different grind sizes and when to use them for pour over brewing. Keep in mind that the ideal grind size may vary depending on personal preference and the specific pour over coffee method you’re using.
Extra Coarse Grind
Starting from the coarsest end of the spectrum, we have the extra coarse grind. This grind size is similar to what you would use for a French press. The coffee grounds will have a chunky texture, resembling coarse sea salt. The extra coarse grind is not commonly used for pour over coffee as the water passes through too quickly, resulting in a weak brew with minimal extraction.
Coarse Grind
Moving a step down, we have the coarse grind. This is the next level of coarseness and is suitable for certain pour over methods such as the Chemex. The coffee grounds will have a more uniform texture, like coarse sand. The water passes through the grounds at a slightly slower pace, allowing for better extraction and a fuller-bodied cup of coffee.
Medium-Coarse Grind
Moving further down the grind size scale, we have the medium-coarse grind. This grind size is commonly used for pour over methods like the Hario V60 and the Kalita Wave. The coffee grounds will feel slightly gritty, similar to regular sand. The water flows through the grounds more evenly, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful cup of coffee.
Medium Grind
Next on the spectrum is the medium grind. This grind size is often used for pour over methods like the Bee House. The coffee grounds will have a texture similar to table salt. The water passes through the grounds at a controlled pace, allowing for a good balance between extraction and flavor.
Medium-Fine Grind
Moving towards the finer end of the scale, we have the medium-fine grind. This grind size is commonly used for pour over methods like the AeroPress and the Clever Dripper. The coffee grounds will be slightly finer than regular sand, resembling granulated sugar. The water flows through the grounds with more precision, resulting in a well-extracted brew with a bright and clean taste.
Fine Grind
Another step down, we have the fine grind. This grind size is commonly associated with brewing methods like the espresso machine. The coffee grounds will have a texture similar to powdered sugar. For pour over coffee, the fine grind is typically used for methods like the Vietnamese coffee filter. The water passes through the grounds slowly, allowing for precise extraction and a rich, intense flavor.
Extra Fine Grind
Finally, at the finest end of the spectrum, we have the extra fine grind. This grind size is reserved for specific brewing methods like the Turkish ibrik or cezve. The coffee grounds will have a powdery texture, almost like flour. The water flows through the grounds very slowly, allowing for maximum extraction and an exceptionally strong flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the grind size is a critical aspect of achieving a perfect cup of pour over coffee. It determines the brew strength, flavor profile, and the overall quality of your coffee. Experimenting with different grind sizes will help you find that sweet spot that suits your taste preferences. So, next time you’re brewing pour over coffee, make sure you choose the right grind size to elevate your coffee experience to new heights. Cheers!