Understanding Coffee Extraction | Liquidline Ireland
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Understanding How Coffee Extraction Works

The coffee extraction process is both a science and an art. It’s more than just mixing hot water with coffee grounds, it requires precision, skill, and the right technique to bring out the best flavours. Several factors influence coffee extraction, including the water-to-coffee ratio, grind size, roast level, water temperature, and brewing time.

Extracting Soluble Compounds

Brewing coffee involves extracting soluble compounds from roasted and ground coffee beans. As the hot water interacts with the coffee, a variety of substances dissolve, creating the complex flavours and aromas we associate with a quality cup of coffee. Extracted coffee contains caffeine, acids, lipids, fats, sugars, and carbohydrates.

Several factors impact solubility, including the coffee’s origin, grind size, water mineral content, roast profile, and brewing method. Different brew methods require specific adjustments, a process known as “dialling in,” where tweaks to grind size and coffee dose help achieve the perfect balance of flavours.

Popular Brewing Methods

1. Brewing by Immersion

In this method, coffee grounds are fully submerged in water, allowing extraction to occur over time. French press brewing is a popular immersion method, typically taking 4–5 minutes. Most immersion brews require filtration, and in the case of a French press, a metal filter removes excess grounds and particles. Over time, extraction slows as fewer coffee solids dissolve into the water.

2. Brewing by Infusion

Drip coffee methods use infusion brewing, which ensures a constant flow of fresh water through a coffee bed and filter. This method is more efficient at extracting coffee solubles than immersion due to the continuous replenishment of water.

3. The Espresso Method

Espresso is a form of infusion that uses pressure to extract coffee. Originating from Italy, espresso is made using specialised equipment, such as commercial bean to cup coffee machines and grinders. The serving size of an espresso ranges from 20–40ml, making it much more concentrated than drip coffee. A finer grind and pressurised water allow for a quick and efficient 20–30 second brew.

Understanding Brew Ratios

A brew ratio refers to the amount of coffee relative to the amount of water used. If you’re brewing coffee for a group, understanding brew ratios is essential for consistency and flavour.

For drip coffee, the standard ratio is 1:16—one part coffee to sixteen parts water. Most brew ratios fall between 1:15 to 1:18. Espresso shots, due to rapid extraction, typically use a 1:2 ratio. Using too little water can result in an overly strong brew that lacks complexity, so experimenting to find your preferred ratio is key.

Measuring both coffee and water is crucial for accuracy. A digital scale helps ensure precise ratios, enabling you to fine-tune the extraction process and achieve the ideal balance of flavours.

Brew Manipulation Techniques

Brew manipulation allows you to control and adjust flavour. Here are some techniques to refine your coffee experience:

1. Agitation

Stirring the coffee grounds during brewing can increase extraction. This technique is particularly useful for immersion brewing, such as in a French press, as it breaks up floating coffee grounds and promotes even saturation.

2. Bypassing

If you prefer a strong coffee flavour but not a thick mouthfeel, adding water to brewed coffee, helps dilute the strength without affecting the brew ratio.

3. Pulsing

Pulsing involves adding water in small increments when using infusion brewing rather than in a steady stream. This helps coffee grounds settle evenly, improving extraction consistency.

4. Pre-Infusing

Also known as the bloom, pre-infusing introduces a small amount of water to saturate coffee grounds before full brewing. This enhances extraction quality, particularly in drip brewing methods.

Identifying Under and Over Extraction

Achieving the perfect extraction is about balance. Extraction falls into three categories: 

  • Under Extraction: Coffee that hasn’t reached its full potential in flavour, often tasting sour or weak. 
  • Over Extraction: Coffee that has been brewed for too long or with too fine a grind, resulting in bitterness and dryness. 
  • Balanced Extraction: The sweet spot, where coffee has a rich flavour profile with a pleasant acidity and smooth mouthfeel. 

Signs of Over Extracted Coffee

  1. Bitter Taste – Excessive extraction removes desirable acids, leaving a harsh bitterness. 
  1. Dry Mouthfeel – Over-extracted coffee can feel dry, similar to unsweetened black tea. 
  1. Lack of Complexity – Flavours may seem dull and lifeless, with none of the coffee’s natural characteristics shining through 

Signs of Under Extracted Coffee

  1. Overpowering Sourness – The acidity is unbalanced, leading to an overly tangy or sharp taste. 
  1. Thin Flavour – A lack of body and depth, as sugars and oils remain in the grounds instead of being extracted into the brew. 
  1. Saltiness – Under-extracted coffee may have an unexpected salty note due to incomplete flavour development. 

Signs of a Balanced Extraction

  1. Sweet and Aromatic – Well-extracted coffee boasts a natural sweetness and inviting aroma. 
  1. Complex Acidity – A pleasant acidity that resembles fruit or wine notes. 

Café Bonté – Coffee Crafted for Perfection

At Café Bonté, we believe coffee is more than just a drink, it’s an experience. Our expertly roasted beans cater to a variety of preferences, ensuring every cup delivers the perfect balance of flavour, aroma, and strength. Whether you love a bold espresso or a smooth filter coffee, our curated range guarantees a premium coffee experience every time.

We take pride in sourcing the finest coffee beans and using precise roasting techniques to bring out their unique characteristics. With Café Bonté, you can enjoy rich, aromatic coffee that enhances every moment of your day.

Perfecting Your Coffee Experience

Understanding coffee extraction helps you craft the perfect cup tailored to your taste. From mastering brew ratios to adjusting grind size, each element plays a role in achieving a well-balanced flavour. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a business looking to serve top-quality coffee, getting your extraction right makes all the difference.

If you’d like to learn more about our Café Bonté coffee range or need expert advice on coffee solutions for your business, contact us today. We’re here to help you serve exceptional coffee, every time.