Scientists crack the code to brewing the ultimate espresso
Coffee enthusiasts have long debated about the best ways to extract the perfect espresso, which beans to use, how to grind them, and what fancy equipment to buy. Now, a recent study published in the material sciences journal Matter appears to have found the secret to making the perfect espresso, and it's a lot simpler than you think. You just need a little water.
What the research found out
According to research, espresso is more consistent and tastes better when a little water is added to the coffee beans before grinding. Particles in the coffee grinder clump together as a result of the friction between the coffee beans grinding, which produces electricity. Adding water to this process results in greater flavors and less wasted coffee by lowering the amount of electricity generated.
The role of water in coffee-making
According to Christopher Hendon, a coffee chemist at the University of Oregon and one of the leaders of the study, water significantly reduces static electricity and the mess created while grinding the coffee. Additionally, it can also 'make a major impact on the intensity of the beverage' and has the ability to 'access higher concentrations of favorable flavors.
How researchers came to the conclusion
Researchers assessed different varieties of coffee beans during the trial, taking into account the roast color and country of origin. They also took into account the many ways that coffee beans are processed, such as washing and decaffeinating them. It was discovered that these variables did not create an impact on the amount of electricity that was generated during the grinding process.
Researchers evaluated different grinding methods
The researchers further found that different grinding methods impact the resulting espresso. They collaborated with experts in volcanic studies to investigate electrical activity during eruptions to gain greater insight into how electricity may impact coffee flavor. These experts claim that there is a striking resemblance between the energy produced during volcanic eruptions and the electricity produced during the brewing of coffee.
Drawing similarities between coffee grinding and volcanic eruptions
As per Joshua Méndez Harper, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Portland State University, "During an eruption, magma breaks up into little particles that come out of the volcano in this big plume. Those particles are rubbing against each other and charging up to the point of producing lightning." Grinding coffee to fine powder is a simpler form of the same.
