Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category

Finding the right grind

If you’re unsure how to choose the correct grind of coffee for different brewing methods then this handy article should give you a bit of guidance in a bid to making that perfect cup of coffee.

First of all, it’s important to make sure that you grind the coffee as close in time to brewing as possible as when coffee beans are ground they start a process of oxidisation and begin to lose their flavour rapidly.

The Grind

There are essentially five different grinds that are used for different brewing methods, these are:

• Infusion Grind (Coarse)

This is rough and quite chunky with visible grounds of coffee. This is the grind that is used for a cafetiere (French press) or percolators. The ground coffee we sell at Glenfinlas Coffee has been ground for use in a French press.

• Medium Coarse

This can be described as having the texture of rough sand and, along with fine, is the best grind to use with drip filter machines with a basket.

• Medium Fine

Smoother than medium and with the texture of sugar. Use when using a drip filter machine with filter paper.

• Espresso Grind (Super fine)

Almost as fine as flour but not quite. Use this one for all Espresso based drinks

• Turkish grind (Very Fine)

A very powdery consistency, as fine as flour. Use for making Turkish Coffee!

The grinders

In order to achieve these different levels of grind, there are two principal types of grinder in use. The first type, and most inexpensive, is the blade grinder. It has two blades, like propellers that sit in a bed at the top of the grinder usually with a clear plastic lid. The beans are poured in to a certain level and when the lid is placed back on, a button is pressed and away you go! The plus points to blade grinders is certainly they’re lower price tag and handy size however you can never really achieve a very fine grind so it’s best to use them for a cafetiere.

For a much finer, more consistent grind you will need a burr grinder. These have two rotating plates (burrs), one on top of the other, which can be moved up and down to adjust the level of the grind. The coffee beans are loaded into the top of the grinder and then fall down on the plates resulting in a more reliable, really fine grind (plus it’s a lot quieter!)

Of course, it’s all about personal preference but hopefully after buying your beans, with these tips you can go on to create your perfect cup of coffee!