The Professional Barista's Handbook
Water Temperature
Brewing water temperature is very important because it affects flavor, brew strength, and flow rate. The "ideal" brewing temperature is determined by numerous variables, including the coffee used, the flow rate of a shot, and, most importantly, your taste. It is fair to say almost all professionals prefer temperatures in the range of 185°F-204°F.
A few established facts exist regarding the relationship between temperature and espresso quality.
- Excessively low temperatures produce sour, underextracted espresso.
- Excessively high temperatures produce bitter, acrid, and woody flavors.
- Higher temperatures result in more solids extraction and body.
- Higher temperatures result in slower flow rates.
Additional Sections in the Printed Edition:
Managing Brew Temperature
Managing Temperature on Multiple-Boiler Machines
Putting It All Together
Preinfusion
Espresso-Making Techniques in Italy Versus America
Pressure Interruptions During Espresso Brewing
Would You Like to Read More?
If you have found this excerpt helpful, you can read the rest of the book by ordering online: The Professional Barista's Handbook.
Table of Contents
This article is an excerpt from Chapter 2, "Espresso". Below is the complete table of contents.
- Getting Started
- Espresso
Espresso Percolation: a Primer
Grinding for Espresso
Dosing and Distribution
Grooming
Tamping
Water Temperature
Putting It All Together
Preinfusion
Espresso-Making Techniques in Italy Versus America
Pressure Interruptions During Espresso Brewing
- The Science and Theory of Percolation and Extraction
Percolation Dynamics
Fines
Basket Shape and Extraction
Espresso Brewing Ratios and Standards - Milk
Milk Steaming
Milk Pouring - Barista Systems
Efficiency Enhancement Tools
Workflow - Drip Coffee
Freshness
Drip Brewing Standards
Grinding
Temperature
Turbulence
Optimizing Different Batch Sizes
Coffee Brewing Chart
Setting Up the Filter
Stirring: the Key to Making the Best Drip Coffee
Programmable Brewer Settings
How to Hold Brewed Coffee
Brewing Drip Coffee to Order
Coffee Filter Types
Freezing Coffee Beans - French Press Coffee
How to Make Great French Press Coffee
- Water
Water Chemistry
Brewing Water Standards
Water Treatment
Descaling - Tea
Basic Tea-Making Guidelines
Preparation by Tea Type - Appendix, References, Glossary, Index