Introduction
Coffee is a daily ritual for millions of people around the world, and the key to a great cup of coffee often lies in the coffee grounds to water ratio. While there are various ratios you can use, our favorite and highly recommended ratio is 17:1, which means using 17 grams of water for every 1 gram of coffee grounds. In this blog post, we will delve into why this ratio is ideal for brewing the perfect cup of coffee and how you can easily measure it in tablespoons.
The Science Behind the Ratio
Finding the right coffee grounds to water ratio is crucial because it directly impacts the taste, strength, and aroma of your coffee. The 17:1 ratio is based on a balance between extracting the flavors from the coffee grounds without over-extraction, which can make the coffee bitter.
Coffee is a complex beverage with hundreds of flavor compounds that are soluble in water. The brewing process is all about striking the right balance between extracting the desirable compounds and leaving the undesirable ones behind. A 17:1 ratio provides enough water to extract the flavors you love without overdoing it.
Measuring Coffee Grounds in Tablespoons
While a coffee scale is the most precise way to measure coffee grounds, many people prefer using tablespoons for simplicity. To convert the 17:1 ratio into tablespoons, you'll need to know the weight of coffee grounds in grams. One level tablespoon of coffee grounds is approximately 7.5 grams. Therefore, to achieve a 17:1 ratio, you can use approximately 1 level tablespoon of coffee grounds for every 17.5 tablespoons of water.
Here's a practical example:
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Measure your water: If you're making a single 8-ounce cup of coffee, you'll need about 236.5 milliliters (or grams, as they're equivalent in weight) of water.
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Calculate the amount of coffee grounds: Divide 236.5 grams by 17 to find out how many grams of coffee you should use. In this case, it's approximately 13.97 grams.
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Convert to tablespoons: Now, if you prefer using tablespoons, divide 13.97 grams by 7.5 grams per tablespoon, which equals approximately 1.87 tablespoons of coffee grounds.
Remember that this is an approximate conversion, and the most precise way to measure coffee grounds is with a scale. However, using tablespoons is a convenient and accessible method for most coffee lovers.
Why 17:1 Works
The 17:1 ratio has proven itself as an excellent starting point for coffee enthusiasts because it:
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Preserves the coffee's flavor profile: It allows you to extract the nuanced flavors of different coffee beans without over-extracting and ruining the taste.
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Provides consistency: Using a consistent ratio helps you replicate great coffee each time you brew.
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Accommodates personal preferences: You can adjust the ratio slightly to your taste, going a bit stronger or milder as you like.
Conclusion
Achieving the perfect coffee grounds to water ratio is essential for brewing a delicious cup of coffee. While there are various ratios to choose from, our favorite is 17:1, offering a well-balanced brew. Remember that converting to tablespoons can be a helpful trick when you don't have a coffee scale on hand. So, whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a dedicated connoisseur, experimenting with the 17:1 ratio is a great way to elevate your coffee experience and start your day right. Visit our blog for more coffee tips and tricks.