Do you love espresso, but find the taste a bit too bitter? If you’re dealing with an over extracted espresso shot, you don’t have to give up on your favorite coffee just yet.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix over extracted espresso in just 5 easy steps.
From uncovering the cause of over extraction, to adjusting the amount of coffee used and the extraction duration, we’ll show you how to get the perfect espresso shot every single time.
Keep reading to learn more!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To fix over extracted espresso, you can start by reducing the amount of time that the espresso is pulled.
You can also reduce the grind size, so that less coffee is extracted.
Additionally, if the espresso is still too strong, you can try adding more water or steamed milk to the espresso to dilute it.
Finally, you can also consider using a different blend of coffee beans to create a lighter espresso.
What Causes Over Extracted Espresso?
When it comes to espresso, one of the most common issues baristas face is over extraction.
Over extraction occurs when too much of the coffee is extracted from the espresso grounds, resulting in a bitter and unpleasant taste.
This can be caused by a few different factors, including using too much coffee, extracting for too long, or using too coarse of a grind size.
Additionally, the temperature of the water used in the extraction process can also contribute to over extraction.
If the water is too hot, it will cause more of the coffee solids to be extracted, leading to a bitter and unpleasant flavor.
Adjust the Amount of Coffee Used
One of the easiest ways to fix an over extracted espresso is to adjust the amount of coffee you are using.
If you are using too much coffee, the espresso will taste overly bitter and can ruin the flavor.
To fix this, try reducing the amount of coffee used by about 10-15%.
This should result in a cup that is more balanced and flavorful.
Additionally, if you are using a pre-ground coffee, make sure it is fresh and that you are using the correct grind size.
If you are using a freshly ground coffee, try using a finer grind size to reduce the amount of coffee used.
This will help ensure that the espresso is not over extracted.
Finally, make sure you are evenly distributing the coffee in the portafilter.
This will help ensure that the espresso is evenly extracted and will help prevent over extraction.
Shorten the Extraction Duration
When it comes to fixing an over extracted espresso shot, one of the most important things a barista can do is reduce the extraction duration.
This is the amount of time that the hot water is in contact with the coffee grounds.
If the extraction time is too long, it can result in a bitter, unpleasant taste.
To fix this issue, baristas should reduce the amount of time that the hot water is in contact with the coffee grounds.
This can be done by shortening the extraction duration.
The amount of time can be adjusted by either increasing the pressure of the espresso machine or decreasing the amount of coffee used.
When reducing the extraction duration, it is important to keep in mind that a certain amount of time is necessary to properly extract the flavor and aromas from the coffee.
If the extraction time is too short, the espresso will be weak and under extracted.
As such, it is important to find the right balance between a short extraction duration and a proper extraction.
Additionally, baristas should also take into account other factors such as grind size, dose, and water temperature when adjusting the extraction duration.
By adjusting all of these elements, the espresso can be improved to a more balanced and enjoyable cup.
Use a Finer Grind Size
The size of the grind is a major factor when it comes to preventing over extracted espresso.
When the grind size is too coarse, the water takes too long to extract all the available flavors from the coffee grounds.
This leads to over extraction, resulting in a bitter and unpleasant taste.
To avoid this, baristas should use a finer grind size.
A finer grind will allow the water to flow through the coffee grounds more quickly, extracting the flavors faster and preventing over extraction.
The type of grinder being used can also play a role in the size of the grind.
High-end commercial grinders are capable of producing a more consistent, finer grind than home grinders.
This makes them ideal for espresso, as they can provide the perfect grind size for a balanced extraction.
In addition to the grind size, baristas should also adjust the grind setting on the grinder.
This will ensure the grind size is consistent and can help prevent over extraction.
To adjust the grind setting, baristas should start with a small adjustment and work their way up until they find the sweet spot.
This will help them create a grind size that is just right for their espresso, leading to a better tasting cup.
Adjust the Temperature of the Water
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to fix an over-extracted espresso shot is to adjust the temperature of the water.
By lowering the temperature slightly, baristas can reduce the amount of acidity in the espresso and make it less bitter.
This can be done by adjusting the pressure from the espresso machine or by using a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water.
For the best results, the temperature of the water should be between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is the ideal temperature for espresso extraction and should be the goal for all baristas.
If the temperature of the water is too low, the espresso will be under-extracted and taste sour, while if the temperature is too high, the espresso will be over-extracted and taste bitter.
By adjusting the temperature of the water, baristas can also adjust the amount of time it takes to extract the espresso.
If the water is hotter, the extraction will be faster, while if the water is cooler, the extraction will be slower.
This means that baristas can adjust the water temperature to achieve the desired extraction time and avoid over-extraction.
Finally, adjusting the temperature of the water can help baristas to achieve the desired flavor profile for the espresso.
By adjusting the temperature, baristas can change the flavor of the espresso and make it more balanced and enjoyable.
This can be especially helpful for those who are looking to create unique espresso blends with specific flavor notes.
In summary, adjusting the temperature of the water can be an effective way to fix over-extracted espresso.
By lowering the temperature slightly and fine-tuning the pressure and extraction time, baristas can create a balanced and enjoyable espresso shot.
Tips for Avoiding Over Extraction
Many baristas have experienced the disappointment of over extracted espresso, which has a bitter and unpleasant taste.
But dont worrythere are steps that can be taken to avoid this issue altogether.
The first step is to use the right amount of coffee.
Most baristas use too much coffee when they are measuring out the grounds.
Instead, they should use the correct weight of coffee for their espresso machine, generally ranging between 18-22 grams.
This will ensure that the extraction is not too concentrated.
Second, baristas should pay attention to the grind size.
An overly coarse grind can cause the espresso to be under extracted, while an overly fine grind can cause it to be over extracted.
To get the right grind size, baristas need to start with a medium grind and adjust as needed.
Its important to remember that grind size is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
The grind size will vary depending on the espresso machine and its settings.
Third, baristas should adjust the extraction time.
This is the amount of time it takes for the espresso shot to be pulled.
If the extraction time is too long, it can lead to an over extracted espresso.
To avoid this, baristas should aim for an extraction time of around 25-30 seconds.
Fourth, baristas should adjust the water temperature.
An excessively hot water temperature can cause the espresso to be over extracted.
For most espresso machines, a temperature of around 200-205 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
Finally, baristas should pay attention to the tamping pressure.
This is the amount of pressure used to compress the grounds in the portafilter.
Too much tamping pressure can lead to an over extracted espresso.
The ideal tamping pressure will vary depending on the espresso machine, but it should generally be around 30-35 pounds of pressure.
By following these tips, baristas can avoid the disappointment of over extracted espresso and create a more balanced and enjoyable cup.
Troubleshooting Over Extraction
If youre a barista, one of the most common problems you may face is over extracted espresso.
This occurs when too much flavor has been extracted from the coffee grounds, resulting in a bitter, unpleasant taste.
Fortunately, there are some simple adjustments you can make to fix this issue and achieve a more balanced and enjoyable espresso.
The most important step in fixing an over extracted espresso is to reduce the amount of coffee used.
This will reduce the amount of flavor extracted from the grounds, resulting in a less intense and more balanced taste.
Additionally, you should shorten the duration of the extraction.
This will also reduce the amount of flavor extracted, resulting in a more balanced taste.
In addition to reducing the amount of coffee and shortening the extraction, you should also adjust the grind size of the beans.
A finer grind size will reduce the amount of flavor extracted, resulting in a less intense and more balanced espresso.
Lastly, you should adjust the water temperature to be slightly lower.
This will also reduce the amount of flavor extracted, resulting in a more balanced and enjoyable espresso.
By following these simple steps, you can fix an over extracted espresso and enjoy a more balanced and enjoyable cup.
Keep in mind that it may take some trial and error to find the right balance, but with practice and patience you can master the perfect espresso.
Final Thoughts
Over extraction can ruin an espresso shot, but thankfully there are a few easy steps baristas can take to fix it.
By adjusting the amount of coffee used, shortening the extraction duration, using a finer grind size, and adjusting the temperature of the water, baristas can improve the espresso to a more balanced and enjoyable cup.
With these tips and techniques, baristas can avoid over extraction and make sure that every cup of espresso is perfect.