Understanding Espresso Episode 2 Ratio by James Hoffmann
**1. Why Use Weight Ratio Instead of Volume
- Problem with Volume (Milliliters): Volume measurements are unreliable because of crema. Crema is foam generated by CO2 trapped in the coffee, and the amount of crema relates to how fresh the coffee is.
- Inconsistent Recipes: A "50ml double espresso" made with fresh coffee (high crema/foam) will contain less actual liquid than the same volume made with older coffee (less crema), leading to different recipes.
- Solution: The host strongly recommends weighing the output of your machine to ensure consistent and repeatable results.
**2. Defining Espresso by Ratio
Ratio is expressed as the weight of ground coffee to the weight of liquid espresso (e.g., 1:2).
| Espresso Type | Typical Ratio Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ristretto | 1:1 to 1:1.5 | Historically meant a restricted, slower flow, but is now defined by a shorter ratio. |
| Espresso (Traditional/Modern) | 1:1.5 to 1:2.5 | The standard range for most modern and traditional espresso styles. |
| Lungo (Long) | Above 1:2.5 (e.g., 1:3 and upwards) | A longer, more dilute coffee. |
3. Impact of Ratio on Taste
Changing the ratio is a critical way to manipulate flavour, as water is the solvent that dissolves the flavour compounds.
- More Liquid (Longer Ratio):
- Increases Extraction: The more water you pass through the coffee cake, the more soluble material (flavour) you pull out.
- Decreases Strength/Texture: While extraction increases, the coffee becomes more dilute, and you will start to lose the body, texture, and richness that defines espresso.
- Less Liquid (Shorter Ratio):
- Decreases Extraction: Leads to lower extraction, resulting in a stronger, but potentially under-extracted (sour or harsh) shot.
4. Practical Use in Dialling In
- The host typically starts with a fixed ratio he enjoys (e.g., 1:2 to 1:2.2) and tries to keep it constant, preferring to use grind size to achieve the desired extraction.
- The Tweak: Ratio is best used for a small tweak when you are running low on coffee or don't want to change your grind setting.
- Impact of Small Changes: A small change of just 2 or 3 grams more liquid can be the difference between a slight harsh sourness and a balanced, cleaner, and more complex shot. However, exceeding a 3-gram adjustment might lead to too much dilution, moving away from the desired espresso texture.