Get Your Grind On

As the day begins, to many, the first thought is “COFFEE.” We look forward to that sweet, steaming nectar for an extra little push. It’s that first sip of delicious coffee that can set the tone for your entire day.

It’s a beautiful daily ritual.

In a world of inconsistencies, it’s one thing you can look forward to. Carving out a few extra minutes to mindfully grind, brew, and taste your morning cup can help set the tone for a happy and productive day.

Here at Wood-Fire Roasted Coffee Company, we have the beans covered for you. We seek out exceptional coffees from around the globe, then roast them to their fullest flavor potential in our old-world, Italian wood-fired roaster.

Once you’ve got beans in hand, it’s time to grind for your favorite brewing method. This is a critical step in creating a truly extraordinary morning ritual for yourself.

Why is a proper grind so important?

Because, depending on how you prepare your coffee, the grind can determine if you’re getting a full-flavored experience once it reaches your lips, or if it will fall flat. A good burr grinder is the starting point. On occasion, I will use a hand burr grinder. It is a bit more work, however, the tactile sensation of feeling the beans crumble adds a new dimension to the entire brewing ritual.

Locked away inside each bean is a world of hidden flavor. Grinding opens up the bean, allowing access for the water to work its magic.

The grind size determines the speed of brewing. The finer the grind the more slowly the water will pass through. Also, a smaller grind size increases the speed of extraction due to easier access to the grounds for the water. The objective is to maximize the extraction of the good things in the coffee such as the flavor oils, acids, and caffeine while leaving the less water-soluble components that add bitterness behind.

This is derived from how coarsely or finely your beans are ground, how quickly the water passes through the grounds, and what brewing method you use in your daily coffee ritual.

It all comes down, however, to personal preference. Remember, I am not the one drinking the coffee you make at home for yourself. So, make it taste the way you like it. Have fun with grind sizes and dosing to find your perfect cup.

Today, the many options for brewing can entice coffee-lovers to explore. Have a Chemex? French press? Prefer a pour-over? Or the ol’ stand-by, drip coffeemaker?

No matter your choice, grind your beans directly before brewing for optimal freshness.

Now, a very general guide to assist with properly grinding for each brew method.

Grind Options:
• Extra-Fine: Usually used for Turkish or Greek coffees where the grounds are a part of the brew.
• Fine: Best for espresso. Fast brew times of under 30 seconds.
• Medium-Fine: Faster brew methods such as single-cup pour-over. Brew time of 2.5-3-minutes.
• Medium: A good everyday grind, and jumping-off point for grind experimentation; best for drip machines.
• Medium Coarse: Great for Chemex and pour-overs; 3.5-4-minute brew time.
• Coarse: Ideal for immersion methods such as a French Press; requires at least four minutes of brewing for optimal flavor and balance; large grind size means beans retain more flavor
and aroma.
If you’re finding your coffee too watery, try grinding your beans finer. If it makes your face pucker a bit—never a good thing—try a coarser grind.
Creating your own coffee ritual is simple with a bit of personal exploration and worth every second spent to perfect it.