Brew Ratio – What’s It All About?
When it comes to making a great cup of coffee, you might have heard of something called a ‘brew ratio’. But what is this exactly, and why is it so important? Let’s take a closer look:
What Is Brew Ratio?
In simple terms, the brew ratio is the amount of coffee to water you use in the brewing process. For example, a popular ratio is 16:1 – this means 16 grams of coffee per one cup of water. This ratio will change depending on different methods, such as a French press or aeropress.
Why Does It Matter?
The important thing to bear in mind is that the ratio has a significant impact on how your cup of coffee tastes. For example, if you use more water than the measured ratio, your espresso might taste weak and watery. On the other hand, if you use too much coffee, your espresso can be very bitter.
It’s not quite as simple as that, however – different types of coffee work better with different ratios, and other factors such as the amount of extraction time can also impact the flavour. So, it’s worth experimenting with a few different ratios to find the one that works best for you.
Things to Keep in Mind
It’s important to get the brew ratio right – but there are few other things you’ll need to know to make a great cup of coffee:
- The grind size: the finer the grind, the slower the extraction time.
- The water temperature: make sure you use water at the right temperature – too hot and it can scald the coffee, making it too bitter.
- The water quality: using filtered or mineral water will usually improve the flavour.
Wrapping Things Up
As you can see, the brew ratio is just one factor to take into account when you’re thinking about making a great cup of coffee. It’s an important aspect – but getting the grind size, water temperature, water quality, and extraction time right will all help a great deal too.
Take the time to experiment, find the right brew for your cup of coffee, and enjoy the results. Bon appétit!
