Why You Should Grind Your Own Coffee Beans

“Life’s too short to drink bad coffee.” —
Annonymous

Just before the pandemic, one of my friends and I used to frequent this beautiful coffee shop in one the business districts in our town. It was decorated with rustic and grungy wooden décor, black, red, and gold paint, flowers, and haystacks. At the front counter, there was a sign that read, “Unattended children will be given espresso and a free puppy.”

They always had delicious croissants, sandwiches, muffins, and cookies, but they also had some delicious coffee with blends from Ethiopia, Kenya, Columbia, and Mexico. I always bought the Kenyan blend with its notes of caramel and cocoa. In general, I am a huge fan of African coffees. They are often described as bright and astringent like citrus and berry fruits or wine with floral, and spicy notes.

I was heartbroken when the shop closed right at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. I was still baking full time then, and running around hurrying to bake the cakes, cookies, and bread at earlier shifts because the orders tripled since social distancing. With so many 3:00 am and 4:00 am shifts, I became a coffee addict and had no choice but to brew my own coffee every morning because there weren’t (and still aren’t) any shops open early enough for bakers who want a quality cup of coffee. I’ll drink anything in a pinch, but while I had the resources and time, I decided to take some cues from my friend and start grinding my own coffee beans on a regular basis. This turned out to be a lifechanging habit.

The purpose of grinding coffee beans at home

1. Freshness and Customization

On a most basic level, whole coffee beans retain their freshness far better than pre-grounded coffee. Additionally, grinding your own coffee beans provides opportunities for adjusting and customizing flavors. Think of it like running into Cold Stone or Chipotle and customizing your ice cream or burrito. Also, depending on how you brew your coffee (via coffee maker, French press, or pour-over), you can customize the grind size to match your brewing method. The grind size also directly impacts the rate of extraction during brewing. Finer grinds lead to faster extraction and often produce a stronger, more intense flavor, while coarser grinds lead to slower extraction and a lighter, more delicate flavor.

2. Flavor Preservation and Consistency

Once coffee beans are ground, they begin to oxidize and lose their flavor compounds due to air exposure. Whole beans maintain their natural oils and aromatics that contribute to the coffee’s flavor. Grinding your own beans also allows you to control the grind size more precisely, resulting in a more consistent extraction.

3. Enhanced Aroma

The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans is unmatched. Grinding your beans just before brewing releases aromatic compounds that contribute to a richer, more aromatic cup of coffee.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

While investing in a quality grinder may seem like an upfront expense, grinding your own beans can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to buying pre-ground coffee, as whole beans typically have a longer shelf life. You also do not have to use a coffee grinder. High power blenders and food processors can efficiently grind coffee beans.

5. Connection to the Coffee Process

Grinding your own coffee beans adds an element of ritual and involvement to the coffee-making process. It allows you to engage more deeply with the ingredients and techniques involved in brewing a great cup of coffee, enhancing your overall coffee experience.

I have been drinking Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Co‘s Black Dog for several years now. I get the most incredible cup from them.

What do you think about these tips? Do you prefer to grind your own coffee beans, or do you prefer to make the coffee process as simple as possible? Let me know in the comments below!

Why You Should Grind Your Own Coffee Beans