Choose the type
of grind according to the method of coffee preparation you are using. In
general, the coarser the grind, the longer the coffee must remain in contact
with the water. The finer the grind, the more quickly the fragrance, aroma and
flavor will be released.
It can be difficult to grind beans
uniformly in an electric or hand mill at home. Having your coffee merchant
grind your beans when you buy them will generally give you a more exact
calibration of beans to pot. Here are some typical grinds:
Coarse
Used for percolators as well as the
old-fashioned boiled method.
Medium
Used for plunger pots and electric drip
method with basket-type filters where the water is in contact with the grounds
for a longer period of time.
Fine
This is the grind for Neapolitan flip drip
pots and Melitta filter cones.
Extra-fine
Used for espresso and Turkish coffee. Stop
and start the machine several times when grinding for a long time, so that you
do not heat the coffee, and tap it to distribute the grounds.
