What grind consistency is specifically required for espresso extraction due to high pressure?
Answer
Extremely fine, uniform grind.
The necessary grind size is dictated directly by the mechanics of the extraction method, particularly for espresso. Because espresso relies on forcing water through the coffee grounds using intense pressure over a very short duration, the coffee bed must offer substantial resistance to this pressure to ensure adequate extraction time. If the grind were too coarse, the water would pass through too quickly, leading to under-extraction and a weak, sour shot. Therefore, espresso demands an extremely fine, uniform grind to create the necessary dense barrier that slows the water flow enough for the high-pressure extraction to properly pull out the concentrated flavor essence from the grounds.
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