What grind type is best for the coffee brewing method?

Choosing the right coffee grind size is essential to achieving the perfect brew. Each grind size influences how quickly water extracts flavors from the coffee, impacting the strength, richness, and balance of the final cup. From coarse grounds suited for long steeping methods to ultra-fine grinds perfect for intense brews, matching the grind size to the brewing method can make a significant difference in taste and texture. Below is a guide to the different grind sizes and the brewing methods they’re best suited for, helping you unlock the full potential of your coffee beans.

The Extra Coarse Grind is the largest grind size, with a texture similar to peppercorns. This grind is best suited for methods that involve long steeping times, such as cold brew coffee and cowboy coffee. With extra coarse grounds, the coffee can steep in water for extended periods without over-extracting, allowing a smooth, mild flavor to develop over time.

The Coarse Grind is chunky and resembles the texture of sea salt. This grind is ideal for French Press and Percolator brewing methods, where coffee grounds remain immersed in water for several minutes. Coarse grounds work well for these methods, allowing for a full-bodied, rich flavor without becoming overly bitter.

The Medium-Coarse Grind is slightly smoother than coarse but still retains a chunky texture. It’s ideal for slower pour-over methods such as the Chemex and Clever Dripper. These methods require a grind that allows water to flow at a controlled pace, ensuring that the coffee extracts properly and delivers balanced flavors.

The Medium Grind has a consistency similar to sand and is commonly used for drip coffee makers, siphon brewers, and Aeropress when used with longer brewing times. Medium grinds provide a good balance between water flow and extraction, making them versatile and suitable for various brewing styles.

The Medium-Fine Grind is a bit finer than medium, resembling coarse table salt. It’s well-suited for Hario V60 and Aeropress when used with shorter brew times, as it allows water to flow through the coffee quickly while extracting a balanced, flavorful cup. This grind size is popular for pour-over methods with moderate brewing times.

The Fine Grind is smooth, with a texture similar to powdered sugar. This grind is essential for espresso and Moka pots. With fine grounds, espresso machines can apply the right amount of pressure to produce a concentrated, rich shot with an intense flavor and crema. Fine grind size is critical for achieving the distinctive characteristics of espresso.

The Extra Fine or Turkish Grind is almost powder-like in texture. This grind is used exclusively for Turkish coffee, where the coffee grounds are not filtered but instead settle at the bottom of the cup. The extra fine grind allows the coffee to infuse intensely with the water, creating a strong, rich flavor typical of Turkish coffee, while the grounds settle as the coffee is enjoyed.

Using the correct grind size for each brewing method is key to achieving the best flavor extraction, as each method benefits from a specific grind size that balances the water flow and brewing time perfectly.

Café Nairobi Custom Roast Poem

The Zebra’s Stripes: A Custom Coffee Tale

From Kenya’s plains, where zebras stride,  

With stripes unique on every side,  

Café Nairobi brings to light  

A custom roast, your taste, your right.

For like the zebra’s patterned skin,  

No two alike, yet kin within,  

Your coffee journey, wild and free,  

A canvas of complexity.

Blonde and bright with citrus flair,  

Or Spanish dark, bold beyond compare,  

Each roast a step on paths you choose,  

Your flavor, your preferred hues.

Our roasters heed your call precise,  

From warm to smoky, cool to spice,  

At every heat, a crafted song,  

Each sip unique, yet never wrong.

In every cup, a zebra’s grace,  

A balance struck, a time, a place,  

With stripes that tell a tale untamed,  

Of coffee dreams, by you proclaimed.

So paint your roast, both light and deep,  

From gentle dawn to shadows steep,  

In Kenya’s soul, your coffee’s born,  

A brew that’s yours, each fragrant morn.

For in these beans, your spirit flows,  

A custom cup where freedom grows,  

Like zebra’s stripes in sun and shade,  

Your taste, your tale, uniquely made.

Café Nairobi Custom Roast - Zebra  

   The zebra, with its one-of-a-kind stripes and vibrant individuality, symbolizes our Custom Roast. Just as no two zebras are alike, this coffee is tailored to each drinker’s preference, offering a highly personalized experience. The zebra represents Kenya’s cultural richness and diversity, embodying the freedom of expression found within our Custom Roast. Whether light, medium, or dark, this coffee is a tribute to those who celebrate Kenya’s unique character and wish to craft a cup as distinct as Kenya’s own natural beauty.

Preserving the freshness, aroma, and flavor of coffee requires careful attention to storage. Below are the best practices and key principles to keep your coffee tasting its best:

Key Storage Principles

1. Use an Airtight Container  

   Oxygen exposure is one of the main factors that cause coffee to go stale. Use a high-quality, airtight container to prevent oxidation. Containers with vacuum seals or one-way valves that allow CO₂ to escape are ideal as they minimize exposure to air.

2. Store Away from Light  

   Exposure to light, particularly sunlight, can degrade coffee’s quality. For optimal preservation, store coffee in a dark place, like a cupboard or pantry, or use an opaque container that prevents light from reaching the beans.

3. Keep in a cool, dry place 

   Avoid moisture, heat, and temperature fluctuations when storing coffee. Coffee absorbs moisture easily, affecting its flavor. To keep beans fresh, store them in a consistently cool and dry area, away from appliances that emit heat or humidity, like the stove or dishwasher.

4. Room Temperature is Best  

   Contrary to popular belief, refrigerating coffee can expose it to moisture and odor absorption. Instead, store coffee at room temperature, as freezing or refrigerating can result in condensation when the coffee is taken out, affecting its taste and aroma.

5. Buy Whole Beans and Grind Only as Needed  

   Whole beans retain their freshness and flavor longer than ground coffee. Grinding just before brewing exposes the beans to air only briefly, preserving their essential oils and aromatic compounds. Buy only what you’ll use within 2-4 weeks for maximum freshness.

Additional Tips for Optimal Storage

- Avoid Clear or Glass Containers  

  Transparent containers allow light exposure, which can degrade coffee quality. Choose opaque ceramic or stainless steel containers that block light completely.

- Consider One-Way Valve Containers  

  Coffee beans release CO₂ after roasting. One-way valve containers allow CO₂ to escape without letting oxygen in, which can help keep your coffee fresh longer.

- Mind the Storage Location  

  Avoid storing coffee near heat or moisture sources like the stove, dishwasher, or windowsill. A pantry or a dedicated coffee cabinet works best for consistent conditions.

- Purchase Freshly Roasted Coffee in Small Batches  

  To maintain optimal freshness, buy coffee in quantities you can consume within 2-4 weeks. This helps ensure you’re always enjoying coffee at its peak flavor without worrying about it going stale.

Recommended Storage Solutions

- Airscape Coffee Canister: Features a vacuum-sealing lid that removes excess air and prevents oxidation.

- Opaque Ceramic Jars: Often come with rubber gaskets for airtight seals and block light effectively.

- Stainless Steel Canisters with One-Way Valves: These allow CO₂ to escape while preventing air and light exposure, making them ideal for coffee storage.

By following these principles, you can maximize the freshness and flavor of your coffee. Proper storage is particularly important for premium coffee, like Café Nairobi’s mountain-grown, ethically sourced beans, ensuring that each cup delivers the intended rich and aromatic experience.