Small granules at bottom of cup

[Friendly_Rollins]

Hi, I am a barista in a cafe and have noticed that sometimes there is a sediment of small coffee granules at the bottom of a cup. Is this normal and how would i go about fixing this problem if not?

Thanks

[Kris_M_Wood]

Re: Small granules at bottom of cup

yes, this is very normal as all extracted coffee is made up of solids and liquids to a varying degree of both. Espresso will have more solids than other brewing methods in the extracted substance so it is not a worry to have a little in the bottom of your cup.
But check to male sure your baskets are new and free of hairline cracks.
You will not be able to see the cracks in the basket but it will be evident in the odd wispy extraction

[yeeza]

Re: Small granules at bottom of cup

hmm, I was thinking more fines from the grinder.

[Kris_M_Wood]

Re: Small granules at bottom of cup

yes, also very possible

[Kris_M_Wood]

Re: Small granules at bottom of cup

A possible way to alleviate fines concentration at the bottom of your puc is to have your burrs in sharp working order. Blunt burrs can cause the concentration of fines and lead to uneven extraction

[Dennis]

Re: Small granules at bottom of cup


Just another thought - if the spouts are resting on a mat that has grounds on it, theyll pick those up and end up in the cup during the extraction.

[yeeza]

Re: Small granules at bottom of cup

Just another thought - if the spouts are resting on a mat that has grounds on it, theyll pick those up and end up in the cup during the extraction.

haha yeah, took me ages to figure that out haha :-[

Fines are alright, no big deal.... Ive used a brand spankin new Robur and had fines. It probably adds to the extraction anyway.... I think Ive read that somewhere.

[Friendly_Rollins]

Re: Small granules at bottom of cup

CoffeeSnob
Posts: 10

Re: Small granules at bottom of cup
Reply #4 - 20. Feb 2009 at 00:17 A possible way to alleviate fines concentration at the bottom of your puc is to have your burrs in sharp working order. Blunt burrs can cause the concentration of fines and lead to uneven extraction  

Im not familiar with fines but I am concerned about the grinder as I have been saying to the owner that it does not seem to grind evenly and their are small lumps in the basket postgrind that will break up if rubbed. I thought his may have something to do with an oil build up as I am told the grinder is less than 6 months old.

Some info on fines and any other thoughts are greaty appreciated

[blanyon]

Re: Small granules at bottom of cup

How often is the grinder cleaned? That should give you an indication for oil buildup.

[Friendly_Rollins]

Re: Small granules at bottom of cup

Ok, I think this is where the problem is coming from, cause the grinder is not being cleaned properly. I will remove beans and bush grinds away but I havent been doing any more than that.

What is the process to give the grinder a thorough clean?

[blanyon]

Re: Small granules at bottom of cup

I have only ever cleaned my grinder but I assume most would be similar, you have to unscrew the top burr and then (a vacume cleaner helps with this) clean out all the gunk that has built up around the grinding chamber. For more detailed info you would need to let me know what grinder it is.