Table of Content
- What’s Espresso Brew Temperature?
- How does the Temperature Affect Extracting Coffee?
- Different Brew Temperature for Espresso by Roast Level
- Different Espresso Brew Temperature by Different Bean Origin
- Recommended Brew Temperature
What’s Espresso Brew Temperature?
In espresso extraction, the brew temperature refers to the temperature of the water that is used to extract the flavour from the coffee grounds. It is the temperature at which the hot water comes into contact with the coffee during the brewing process. Achieving and maintaining the appropriate brew temperature is crucial for extracting a well-balanced and flavourful espresso. Variations in brew temperature can significantly impact the taste and quality of the coffee shot. Therefore, it’s important for baristas and espresso enthusiasts to monitor and control the brew temperature to achieve consistent and desirable results.
How does the Temperature Affect Extracting Coffee?
The brew temperature has a significant impact on the overall extraction process and the resulting flavour profile of the brewed coffee. Here are some key factors in which espresso brew temperature affects coffee extraction:
- Solubility: Different compounds in coffee grounds have varying solubilities at different temperatures. The temperature influences how efficiently these compounds dissolve in water. Higher temperatures generally increase solubility, allowing for greater extraction of flavours, oils, and aromatic compounds from the coffee grounds.
- Extraction Speed: When hot water is forced through the coffee bed in the portafilter, the heat causes the coffee particles to expand and release flavour compounds. Higher temperatures accelerate this process, resulting the coffee grounds to release the compounds quicker. The ’empty’ coffee grounds allow the water to pass through much faster, which may cause over-extraction. Conversely, lower brew temperatures slow down extraction rate. This impacts the balance of flavours extracted during the brewing process.
Different Brew Temperature for Espresso by Roast Level
Dark Roast
The ideal espresso brew temperature for dark roast coffees is above 94 degrees Celsius. Dark roast coffee beans tend to be less dense and more porous compared to lighter roasts. As a result, they can absorb heat more quickly and may require slightly higher brew temperatures to achieve optimal extraction. However, since dark roast coffees already have bold and intense flavours due to the longer roasting process, higher brew temperatures can potentially extract more of the bitter compounds present in dark roasts. Therefore, it’s crucial to find the right balance to avoid over-extraction and excessive bitterness.
Medium Roast
Temperature between 92 and 95 degrees Celsius will help you with extracting medium roast coffees. The medium roasts offer a balanced flavour profile with a combination of acidity, sweetness, and body. They can have variations in density, origin, and flavour characteristics. So, it’s important to take into account the specific coffee beans you are using. Some medium roast coffees may benefit from slightly higher or lower temperatures within the recommended range to achieve the desired balance and flavour extraction. To highlight these characteristics, experimentation is key to finding the ideal brew temperature that suits your taste.
Light Roast
The recommended espresso brew temperature for light roast coffees is between 90 and 93 degrees Celsius. Light roast coffees often have more delicate and nuanced flavours compared to darker roasts. To preserve their brightness, acidity, and subtle flavour notes, it is generally recommended to use a slightly lower brew temperature within the range. Also, since they tend to have less soluble material due to the shorter roasting time, it is very likely for them more susceptible to over-extraction. Using a lower brew temperature can help mitigate this risk by slowing down the extraction process and preventing the extraction of excessive bitter compounds. Starting with a temperature around 90 degrees Celsius (195 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit) and increase by 1 degree can help accentuate the desirable characteristics of light roast coffees.
Different Espresso Brew Temperature by Different Bean Origin
The ideal temperature can vary based on the origin of the coffee beans. Different coffee-growing regions produce beans with unique flavour profiles, densities, and characteristics. While personal preference and experimentation play a role, here are some general guidelines for brew temperatures based on coffee origins:
- African Coffees (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya): African coffees often exhibit bright acidity, floral notes, and fruity flavours. To enhance these characteristics, a slightly lower brew temperature of around 90 to 93 degrees Celsius (195 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit) is often recommended. Lower temperatures help preserve the delicate flavours and prevent excessive bitterness.
[Click here to read Ethiopian Coffee / Kenyan Coffee]
- Central/South American Coffees (e.g., Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica): Coffees from Central and South America often have a balanced flavour profile with moderate acidity and sweetness. A brew temperature within the range of 90 to 96 degrees Celsius (195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit) is generally suitable. This range allows for a balanced extraction and brings out the inherent flavours of these coffees.
[Click here to read Brazilian Coffee / Colombian Coffee]
- Asian Coffees (e.g., Indonesia): Asian coffees are known for their earthy, herbal, and sometimes spicy flavours. To fully extract the flavours from these dense beans, a slightly higher brew temperature within the range of 93 to 96 degrees Celsius (200 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit) is commonly used. The higher temperature helps ensure thorough extraction and a fuller-bodied cup.
[Click here to read Indonesian Coffee]
Recommended Brew Temperature
The recommended brew temperature for espresso extraction typically falls within the range of 90 to 96 degrees Celsius (195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature range is widely considered optimal for achieving a balanced and flavourful espresso shot. However, it’s important to note that the exact ideal brew temperature within this range can vary depending on factors such as coffee bean origin, roast level, blend or single origin, and personal taste preferences. Some coffee professionals and enthusiasts may experiment with slightly lower or higher temperatures within the recommended range to fine-tune the flavours and achieve their desired results.
It’s worth experimenting and adjusting the temperature within the range based on the specific coffee beans being used and personal taste preferences to find the ideal brew temperature for your desired espresso flavour profile.
Conclusion
As a barista, you now understand the vital role that brew temperature plays in espresso extraction. By considering some factors such as roast level and bean origin, you can further optimise your brewing techniques to showcase the unique characteristics of different coffees. Remember, experimentation and attention to detail are key as you strive to deliver exceptional espresso experiences. With the knowledge and understanding of brew temperature in your arsenal, you are well-equipped to create masterful cups of espresso. Cheers to your ongoing pursuit of excellence in the art of espresso extraction!
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