The quest for the perfect cup of coffee often involves understanding subtle yet critical variables. These include everything from the grind size of your coffee beans and the water temperature to your chosen brewing method. In this article, we’ll dive into one essential factor: the coffee-to-water ratio, specifically focusing on the significance of 17 grams of water per gram of coffee. We’ll explore why this ratio is important and how it can elevate your coffee brewing experience.
Decoding the Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The coffee-to-water ratio defines the amount of coffee used relative to the amount of water required. It’s expressed as “1 to x” or “1:x,” where “1” represents 1 gram of coffee, and “x” signifies the grams of water needed. Instead of providing specific recipes, using a ratio allows you to scale your coffee brewing to any size while maintaining consistent flavor.
Our recommended standard ratio is 1:17. This means using 17 grams of water for every 1 gram of coffee.
Why this ratio? Because it provides the best opportunity for ideal extraction – dissolving soluble flavors from coffee grounds using water – with complementary strength. This ratio works well for manual and automatic pour-over methods.
Why Grams Matter: Precision in Coffee Brewing
We recommend using grams for all measurements. Grams offer the precision necessary to achieve exceptional and repeatable results. Consistent measurements lead to consistent and delicious coffee. A basic kitchen scale capable of weighing to the nearest gram is sufficient. For those who demand even greater accuracy, scales like the Acaia Pearl are excellent.
For those without a scale, you can approximate the 1:17 ratio using tablespoons and ounces. However, a scale provides much more accuracy, especially if you brew different types of coffee regularly. As a rough estimate, use 1 tablespoon of coffee for every 4 ounces of water. Keep in mind, this method is less precise and may not produce consistent results.
Adjusting the Ratio for Full Immersion Brewing
Full immersion brewing methods, such as the French press, siphon, and Clever Dripper, require a slightly different ratio than the 1:17 ratio recommended for drip methods. For full immersion, a tighter ratio closer to 1:15 is ideal.
In full immersion, coffee and water remain in contact for a longer duration than in drip methods. Drip methods involve fresh water flowing through the grounds and exiting quickly. Because the water sits with the coffee for the entire brewing time in full immersion, extraction happens more thoroughly. Therefore, a slightly smaller amount of coffee balances the flavor.
By understanding and adjusting the coffee-to-water ratio, particularly with the 1:17 ratio as a guide, you can improve your coffee brewing and consistently create better cups of coffee.
