Espresso coffee design based on non-monotonic granulometric distribution of aromatic profile

Coffee beverages may be obtained using several extraction methods, among which espresso coffee (EC) represents now a worldwide adopted system. Recent advances in coffee grinding equipment allow today to achieve a detailed control of granulometric distribution, and the grinding process is an essential step of coffee production cycle both for the aromatic profile composition and for the chemical properties of the beverage (Severini, 2015). The comminution process consists of the breaking down particles into smaller fragments; as well-known, its main objective is to increase the overall particle surface area exposed to water leading to a more efficient extraction of soluble substances (Illy, 2005a). Basically, the coffee brewing process includes two steps: a washing phase concerning the snapshot dissolution of free solubles at the particle surface followed by diffusion phase of solubles within the porous particles (Spiro 1992, Baggenstoss 2008). The variability in particle size distribution on the quality of EC has been studied by various authors. Severini et al. has tackled the influence of the grinding level on the aromatic profiles and chemical attributes (percolation time, caffeine content, pH and titratable acidity) as a consequence of changes in the microstructural properties of the coffee cake. Generally speaking such results would imply that the final effect in terms of aromatic compounds extraction follows a monotonic law respect to granulometric size. This result is true in an average sense but it cannot be given for granted for any aromatic compounds if we refine the resolution of granulometric class. The reasons for which some aromatic compounds do not follow the supposed trend (the lower the grain size, the higher the aromatic compound content) can be most probably related to the internal distribution of precursors and to the different non-isotropic roasting grade of the bean, where the external part undergoes to an increased thermal load. This will change at the same time the kinetics and formation of aromatic compounds, and the mechanical properties as well, strictly correlated to the way the bean is crashed during the grinding phase and consequently to the granulometric distribution of different parts of the coffee bean. Results presented in this work allow to correlate choices in terms of granulometric distribution to characteristics aromatic compounds, in order to enhance specific flavors in espresso coffee.