Why Discussing Grind Size Is More Complicated Than You Might Think | Coffee with April

This week, we're introducing the first of a series of videos taking a closer look at grind size in coffee.

We very regularly receive requests for grind sizes in relation to the recipes and techniques that we feature on this channel. As we use a model of grinder more commonly used by professionals as opposed to home brewers or hobbyists, this only further increases the difficulty in communicating this by using a single value.

In this video, we discuss the challenges that come with measuring and communicating grind size. We used a Lighttells CM200 to take the measurements referenced. We recommend that when taking measurements, time is taken to ensure that each sample is prepared and measured multiple times. This can help the user to understand the deviance that can be predicted by using probability, and will therefore help you to minimise anomalous readings.

We reference the D50 of each sample taken in this video. D50 is also known as median diameter or medium value of particle size distribution, it is the value of the particle diameter at 50% in the cumulative distribution. Particle Size Distribution D50 is one of an important parameter characterising particle size. For example, if D50=5.8 um, then 50% of the particles in the sample are larger than 5.8 um, and 50% smaller than 5.8 um. D50 is usually used to represent the particle size of group of particles. As we are not speaking about a single value but a distribution, it is important to understand what this value represents.

The Lighttells CM200 offers a visual representation of the polydisperse values within a particle system. An example of this can be found below:

Zewde Filter:
D50=751um
Pan=2%
300um=2%
425um=4%
600um=18%
850um=40%
1180um=25%
1400um=2%
1700um=7%

In future videos we will discuss the particle system in greater detail and how you can think about this in relation to practical applications such as roasting or brewing.

If you would like to read more about the Lighttells CM200, you can find it by using the following link: https://www.lighttells.com/CM200.html

If you're especially curious about the content that we produce, make sure to check out our Patreon as we have several different ways that you can join our community:   / patrikrolf  

We're always interested in hearing what topics you're most curious to hear us discuss, and Patreon is a great way of reaching out to us if you would like to make a request.

We welcome your thoughts and feelings on the topics raised in this week's video, as well as other ideas you would like to see us discuss in the future. We really appreciate your feedback and support.

You can contact us or our collaborators using any of the channels below:

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Music by Andrew Blumhagen
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  / andrew-blumhagen  
https://andrewblumhagen.bandcamp.com/...

Graphics by Chloé Shephard
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  / chloephotoandbooks  

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Produced by April Media - 2022