The Grinding Sound in a Cafe
When you visit a cafe, do you recall the occasional moments of silence, interrupted abruptly when suddenly the coffee grinder starts whirring away. The noise of the coffee grinder is a characteristic one, that is reminiscent of the industrial might that developed the technology to roast grind and extract the perfect espresso.
Though initially a beverage drunk by cultures that had advanced little beyond a technological stone age, the power of caffeinated drinks is shown, and the evolution of technologies to provide the most delicious and potent extractions have occurred, allowing the coffee drinker to enjoy the beverage at its finest.
There are several considerations to take into account when using a coffee grinder that lead to the characteristic sound in cafe’s everywhere. By taking a moment to appreciate the subtler tones present in the whirr and the click of the grinder you can tell a lot about the personality and skill of the person making you your coffee. If the beans are being ground too roughly, then the blades will pitch slightly lower, as the frequency of chopping is slightly reduced. Correspondingly, a higher pitch will indicate a finer grind. This can be difficult to hear.
More significantly, the amount of clicks and flicks that the operator gives the lever will indicate the amount of coffee they are packing into each shot, and the attitude they have towards their coffee production. Not putting enough coffee in, so less clicks, will lead to a weaker extraction that did not achieve the required pressure to ensure maximum flavour. Too much coffee being loaded into the group and tamped down will create a surface that is less likely to allow for the coffee to filter the steam through properly.
Usually a skilled barista will slightly overload the coffee in the group, then skim off what they don’t need for the shot in preparation. Slightly wasteful, but able to generate the best cups of coffee quickly, this is a good method to use.
Making coffee correctly is an art that can take a while to master. Though it doesn’t require the same masterly patience as tea, there are several more tools required to capably produce a good cup of coffee. By learning the intricacies of a grinder;how to change the particle size of the grind; the maintenance requirements and how the bean responds at different temperatures and humidities can result in the development of a passion and skill for making coffee that will turn into a significant income source. It takes practice and commitment to quality, with a desire to always provide an excellent service.
By making sure the coffee grinder is well looked after, cleaned regularly and that it is always grinding at the right consistency you can ensure that the coffee is being extracted efficiently. This efficient level of extraction also happens to be the level at which the flavour is most delightful, the short black, or espresso. Listen out for the whirring clicking thrum of the grinder next time you are at a cafe.