The secret to a better cup of coffee? Scientists might have figured it out

Coffee enthusiasts have long believed that adding water to coffee beans before grinding them can improve the flavor. A recent study by researchers at a university has confirmed the effectiveness of this technique. The researchers discovered that adding water reduces the mess caused by static electricity during the grinding process. Water acts as an insulator, preventing the particles of ground coffee from repelling each other, thus reducing the formation of clumps. This allows for better extraction of flavor during brewing. The ideal amount of water to add may vary, but on average, it increases the extraction yield by 10%. While this technique is beneficial for espresso and filter coffee, it has minimal impact on brewing methods like cafetiere, French press, or AeroPress. Overall, the study sheds light on the complexity of the coffee grinding process and offers insights into improving brewing techniques.