How to Measure Coffee Beans: 10 Steps
1. Gather your supplies: To measure coffee beans, you’ll need a scale (preferably digital), a grinder, a coffee maker or brewing equipment, a measuring spoon, and fresh coffee beans.
2. Determine the right coffee-to-water ratio: The ideal ratio of coffee to water is usually around 1:15 – 1:18, which means for every gram of coffee beans, use 15-18 grams of water. This will ensure that your coffee isn’t too strong or too weak.
3. Measure the water first: Knowing how much water you want to use will help you figure out the right amount of coffee beans to measure. Measure the water using a measuring cup or by weighing it with your scale.
4. Weigh the coffee beans: Place your scale on a flat surface and zero it out with an empty container on it to later hold the measured coffee beans. Then, pour the coffee beans into the container until the weight matches the desired amount according to your coffee-to-water ratio.
5. Check the freshness: Freshly roasted coffee beans should be used within 2-4 weeks of roasting to enjoy full flavor and aroma. Use whole beans rather than pre-ground for superior taste and quality.
6. Grind your beans: Use a burr grinder for better consistency in grounds size and even extraction during brewing. Adjust the grinder setting based on your preferred brewing method.
7. Know your grind size: The grind size depends on how you plan to brew your coffee. For example, use coarse grounds for French press, medium grounds for drip machines, and fine grounds for espresso machines.
8. Preheat your brewing equipment: To maintain appropriate temperature during brewing, preheat equipment like carafes or anything that comes into contact with hot water by briefly filling them with hot water before beginning the brewing process.
9. Brew your coffee: Depending on the method you choose, add coffee grounds and water at the correct ratio. For example, in a French press, let coffee steep for approximately 4 minutes before pressing; In a drip coffee maker, simply program your machine and press “start.”
10. Enjoy your cup: Once you have measured and brewed your coffee, it’s time to enjoy your perfect cup of coffee. Don’t forget to clean up thoroughly afterwards to maintain the quality of future cups.