So, you've made the switch to reusable pods (we're so glad you've joined the reusable coffee capsule movement!) and now you're ready to head to your local cafe to source some great quality, freshly ground coffee to brew in your capsules. You know that the taste of your brew is only going to be as good as the coffee you put in your pod, however you're not quite sure where to start when it comes to purchasing for reusables, right? Not to worry, we've got your back - we've compiled some simple tips on getting your hands on some glorious grinds for brewing at home.Â
1. GRIND SIZE
Selecting the correct grind size for your capsule will ensure that you extract the perfect amount of flavour from your coffee. A well-extracted cup of coffee should be balanced in flavour. When you mix coffee and water, a lot of things happen - different flavour compounds extract at different rates. During extraction, water is actively dissolving a lot of coffee’s flavours - sharper, acidic, fruity flavours emerge first, followed by the deep, complex, heavier ones. Towards the end of the extraction, deep, heavier, bitter flavours transpire. Ideally you're looking to attain a balanced brew of deliciousness with clarity of flavour (avoiding both over and under-extraction.) Selecting the correct grind size ensures that water flows through your capsule at the desired rate, extracting the very best components from your coffee blend.
Grind size also affects how reusable capsules perform - too fine, and the hot water won't get through (essentially blocking up the capsule), too coarse, and it will gush through (resulting in a watery coffee). Essentially, a fine grind works best for reusable pods - this means that the water has to work a little harder to get through that ground coffee, creating strong, fuller bodied espresso and a beautiful extraction. Whereas a coarser grind tends to produce gentler flavours and a lighter colour crema.
For the majority of our reusable pods, we recommend a medium-fine grind for optimal results. Grinder settings do tend to differ from cafe to cafe, so it might take a little time and experimentation to determine the ideal grind size for your capsules.Â
2. ROAST/BLEND
3. OIL/MOISTURE CONTENT
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Now, you're all set to get out there and start trying different blends! And remember to always store your beautiful fresh coffee grounds in a sealed bag or airtight container to keep them from being exposed to oxygen and becoming stale. Happy coffee shopping!
Looking for a more comprehensive guide on grind size and coffee pods? Head here.