The right way to make espresso has been debated by coffee lovers around the world more or less since the popular drink was invented, but if you ask a group of researchers from the University of Oregon in the United States – there is only one way to prepare it perfectly.
According to a university study published in the journal Matter, if you add a little water to your coffee beans before you start grinding them, you'll create an espresso that's more durable and rich in flavor. According to them, when coffee beans are grinding, the friction between them creates electrification that causes the particles to accumulate as one lump in the grinder. The new study revealed that adding water to the process reduces the electrification process, which ultimately leads to the creation of a larger (albeit relative) amount of coffee – and of course a stronger taste.
Espresso machine, photo: Thinkstock Photos
The researchers performed their experiment on several types of coffee beans, examining the differences in the bean's country of origin and roasting color, in addition to examining its grinding processes and taking into account whether the beans were washed, underwent a process that made them decaffeinated – or completely ordinary coffee beans. According to the study, there is no difference on the level of electrification created during grinding.
Regarding the study, Christopher Hendon, a chemistry professor at the University of Oregon, said that water not only reduces electrification while grinding coffee, but also has a big impact on the intensity of the drink and, potentially, the ability to achieve more concentrated and stronger flavors. "Now, we can begin to understand what factors lead to improved senses in coffee taste," he concluded.
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