The equation for the best morning brew

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-04-01 10:01

International

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Hey coffee nerds, do you care how quickly water flows through your grinds? Want to further perfect your espresso? International researchers have developed an equation which calculates how easily water flows through coffee grounds. Using X-rays to create cross sections of coffee pucks made from two different types of beans at different grind sizes, the team developed an equation that they say is applicable across varieties. The equation, which takes into account coarseness and packing, can determine permeability, which dictates flavour and bitterness.

News release

From: The Royal Society

Brainy brew - Science might have the answer to how to perfect your espresso. Researchers have developed an equation calculating how easily water flows through coffee grounds, a key component of brewing. Using x-ray to create cross sections of coffee pucks made of two different types of beans at different grid sizes, the team concluded the equation is applicable across varieties. Taking into account coarseness and packing, the equation can determine permeability which dictates flavour and bitterness. Royal Society Open Science

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Journal/
conference: Royal Society Open Science

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Lancaster University, UK

Funder: We acknowledge additional financial support from the European Research Council (ERC) for a consolidator grant on ‘Magma Outgassing During Eruptions and Geothermal Exploration’ (MODERATE; no.101001065) and the LMU excellent, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Free State of Bavaria under the Excellence Strategy of the Federal Government and the Länder.

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