The Coffee Kits

The Science Behind the Perfect Chemex Grind

Chemex brewing is a popular brewing method among coffee enthusiasts. It is known for producing a clean and crisp cup of coffee that brings out the delicate flavors of the beans. However, achieving the perfect cup of Chemex coffee requires a precise grind size. In this article, we will explore the science behind the perfect Chemex grind and how to achieve it.

The Chemex Brewing Method

The Chemex brewing method was invented in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm, a German chemist. It is a pour-over brewing method that uses a special glass carafe and a paper filter. The Chemex carafe has a unique hourglass shape that allows for a larger surface area, which allows for a longer contact time between the coffee and water.

The paper filter used in the Chemex is thicker than other paper filters, which removes more oils and sediment from the coffee. This results in a clean and crisp cup of coffee that is free from bitterness and acidity.

The Importance of Grind Size

The grind size plays a crucial role in the quality of the coffee produced by the Chemex. A grind that is too fine will result in over-extracted coffee that is bitter and unpleasant. On the other hand, a grind that is too coarse will result in under-extracted coffee that is weak and lacks flavor.

The perfect Chemex grind size is medium-coarse, similar to the texture of sea salt. This grind size allows for a balanced extraction, where the flavors of the coffee are fully extracted without being overpowered by bitterness or acidity.

The Science Behind the Perfect Grind Size

The perfect Chemex grind size is determined by the rate of extraction. The rate of extraction is the rate at which the water dissolves the coffee particles. If the water dissolves the coffee particles too quickly, the resulting coffee will be over-extracted. If the water dissolves the coffee particles too slowly, the resulting coffee will be under-extracted.

Grind size affects the rate of extraction because it determines the amount of surface area that is exposed to the water. A finer grind size has a larger surface area, which allows for a faster rate of extraction. A coarser grind size has a smaller surface area, which results in a slower rate of extraction.

How to Achieve the Perfect Chemex Grind

The perfect Chemex grind can be achieved by using a burr grinder. A burr grinder provides a consistent grind size, which is essential for a balanced extraction. A blade grinder, on the other hand, produces an inconsistent grind size, which can result in an uneven extraction.

To achieve the perfect Chemex grind, set your burr grinder to a medium-coarse setting. This will produce a grind size that is similar to the texture of sea salt. If you are using a blade grinder, grind the coffee in short bursts to achieve a more consistent grind size.

Conclusion

The perfect Chemex grind size is medium-coarse, similar to the texture of sea salt. This grind size allows for a balanced extraction, where the flavors of the coffee are fully extracted without being overpowered by bitterness or acidity. Achieving the perfect Chemex grind requires a burr grinder and a precise setting. With the right grind size, you can enjoy a clean and crisp cup of coffee that brings out the delicate flavors of the beans.