Pre-ground coffee. Is it really a good option?
As consumers of good coffee, it is essential that we ask ourselves a few things about our favorite drink. For example, if they are specialty grains, where they come from or what processing process they used. However, a new question has been added to these questions:pre-ground coffee or freshly ground?
Possibly, at first glance some consider that there is not much difference between the two. But there is also the other half who may think that pre-ground goes rancid quickly, due to a series of factors.
If the topic of pre-ground coffee has piqued your curiosity, then we invite you to continue reading and learn more details about it, as well as how and when would be the perfect time to use it.
What is pre-ground coffee?
Before getting into the matter, it is important to define that pre-ground coffee is nothing more than beans that were ground before use, by means of a grinder of low quality. This results in very small fragments and, when preparing the drink, we will obtain a low-quality and bitter cup as a result of over-extraction.
That is why our experts consider that it is better not to use blade grinders. But what is used instead? The most advisable thing would be a super automatic coffee maker like that of Incapto Coffee, where the beans can be ground in a few seconds. This, without overlooking that it has a quite affordable price.
So when using the coffee maker grinders, you must take into account the order according to priority. For example, first have coffee beans (which is equivalent to great quality and price) and then grind it instantly to finish preparing the drink. Ruling out any other option, such as pre-ground, so, since Incapto Coffee We recommend that you opt for freshly ground coffee beans, as it is capable of providing great quality to your cup.
While pre-ground is unknown territory since its origin will always be confusing.
The grind size It is an important factor that we should not ignore. This is capable of determining the quality of each preparation. When we grind the grains, it means that they will be in contact with water for longer. Which allows the compounds to dissolve quickly in the water and we can extract them to a large extent.
Specialists in the field recommend knowing in depth the basic data on extraction to know the advantages and disadvantages of pre-ground coffee, to avoid future errors.
What you should know about ground coffee
Once the beans are ground, this automatically causes them to be exposed to the air. Therefore, ground coffee becomes a more delicate product, since, by maintaining contact with the Environment, it degasses. What does this mean? It means that it releases gases, originated during the process of roast.
Now, degassing prevents the coffee from being under-extracted or simply taking on an unpleasant flavor. While carbon dioxide could put the quality of the cup at risk after creating what is known as carbonic acid in the drink, that is, it is highly astringent.
Preserving coffee after grinding is a complicated task. This is because, if you grind it and leave it exposed to oxygen, it will lose its organoleptic properties, starting with its aroma and flavor. Let's say that if the coffee loses all its gases, we would have a cup of completely stale extraction and flavor.
As we have always pointed out, ground coffee turns out to be more sensitive to humidity. Therefore, keeping it in the appropriate place will be key to avoiding oxidation.
What differentiates pre-ground coffee from ground coffee?
For the winner of the US Tasters competition (2018) Ken Selby, pre-ground and ground coffee, have certain details that differentiate them from each other. The aroma and acidity, are the two great elements that differentiate pre-ground coffee from the rest. Since they will be smaller compared to freshly ground grains.
Is it advisable to use pre-ground?
We always defend that freshly ground coffee beans will always be key to a quality cup. However, if you do not have a good quality grind, our experts recommend using the pre-ground coffee. However, if you have a super-automatic coffee maker like the one from Incapto Coffee, try to only use coffee beans, otherwise you will end up damaging the machine and it will be complete chaos.
The trick to using pre-ground coffee is to buy small quantities (preferably the one you are going to prepare) and store it in a suitable place to avoid risks. If you do this, you could enjoy a delicious cup at any time of the day.
In fact, the assistance specialist in Baratza (burr mill factory) Alex Choppin, made an interesting comparison between week-old pre-ground coffee and beans freshly ground with a blade grinder. You won't believe the results. It turns out that the winner of this duel was the pre-ground, something that left the specialist impressed, since he was 100% sure that the freshly ground was going to be victorious despite having used the wrong grinder.
Choppin says that ground coffee, if not too old, would possibly outperform beans put through a blade grinder. There are even those who prefer a pre-ground coffee in a quality grinder, than one with a blade mill, although it sounds crazy and contradictory.
It should be noted that a very fine grind, such as that used in Turkish coffee and some preparations, tends to deteriorate rapidly. If you decide to use pre-ground and store it, it is best to opt for a coarse grind.
In short, freshly ground coffee will always be preferred next to pre-ground. Because, the quality will always be different, even though both are somewhat ground. If you don't have a super-automatic machine at home or you don't have a quality grinder, it is preferable that before buying your beans you ask the roaster or coffee shop to grind them for you. Enjoying a good cup will depend on a series of elements, but grinding will never cease to be essential when determining its quality.
Source
