Adjusting espresso is an essential skill for all baristas.
The speed at which water runs through ground coffee has a major impact on the overall taste. The taste of espresso is influenced by the weight of the coffee, the total weight of the espresso and the brewing time required. With a simple ratio and a few easy steps we can create a delicious and balanced espresso.
EQUIPMENT:
- Espresso Machine
- Precision Scale
RECIPE: With this recipe we aim to get the espresso flowing in 28-32 seconds with a total weight of 36g (1:2 ratio).
- Coffee to water ratio: 18:36g (1:2)
- Coffee: 18g (finely ground)
- Water: 36g
- Extraction time: 28-32 seconds
- Temperature for coffee extraction: Between 93-96 degrees.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE:
- Remove the portafilter from the machine and clean it with a cloth.
- Run some water through the machine (also called 'flushing').
- Place the portafilter on the scale and set it to zero (tare).
- Pour 18g of freshly ground coffee into the filter holder and distribute the coffee evenly in the basket.
- The grind size of the coffee should be fine (like powdered sugar).
- With the edge of the portafilter on the counter (or tamper mat), use your body weight to gently press the ground coffee and distribute it evenly in the basket.
- Clean the edge of the filter holder with your hand to ensure that there is no loose coffee outside the basket.
- Screw the portafilter into the group head.
- Place the scale and a coffee cup.
- Press the double shot button and start the timer.
- With this recipe we aim for the espresso in 28-32 seconds with a total weight of 36g (1:2 ratio).
- If the espresso flows for less than 28 seconds, the coffee is too coarse. Adjust the grind size to make the coffee finer.
- If the espresso continues for more than 32 seconds, the coffee is too fine. Adjust the grind size to make the coffee coarser.
- Stop the machine when the scale reads approximately 34 grams (this is to compensate for the scale's delay).
- Let it drip down to 36 grams.
- Stir the espresso.
Enjoy!
COMMENTS: To keep your machine in excellent condition and your coffee always tasting optimal, it is essential that you completely clean your machine every day. A well-maintained machine reduces maintenance costs and ensures that your machine will provide you with good service for years to come. Between each grind adjustment, grind a little more coffee to ensure that all coffee has the new desired grind.
