A simple method: researchers have discovered how to significantly enhance the flavor of coffee.

A new study reveals that adding water to coffee beans before grinding can significantly enhance the flavor of brewed coffee, as it prevents issues caused by static electricity. The research was published in the journal Matter, reports Earth.

Grinding coffee beans generates friction as the particles collide, rub against each other, and break apart. This process causes the ground coffee to produce a charge, which then creates static electricity.

Charged coffee particles clump together, forming lumps that can clog grinders. These clumps complicate the attainment of a uniform grind, leading to uneven brewing and less flavorful coffee.

Researchers examined the impact of static electricity accumulation on the brewing process and discovered a simple solution to mitigate its effects. All that is needed is to add a small amount of water to the coffee beans before grinding.

According to the scientists, water reduces static electricity, prevents clumping, and ensures a smoother grind, ultimately enhancing the quality and taste of the brewed coffee.

Static electricity occurs when there is an imbalance of tiny electric charges on the surface of an object. Everything we see around us is made up of atoms, which contain electrons. These electrons carry a negative charge and can move from one object to another. Therefore, we often encounter static electricity in our daily lives. Static electricity is more prevalent in dry air because moisture in the air helps to prevent the buildup of charges. As a result, it is more common in winter when the air is drier.

The authors of the study investigated how humidity affects coffee grinding. They examined coffee beans of various origins with different roasting levels and moisture contents. The study indicated that drier roasted coffee beans are more susceptible to static electricity than their wetter counterparts.

The researchers found that adding approximately 20 microliters of water per gram of coffee, which is roughly half a milliliter for a single espresso shot, significantly enhances the flavor of the brewed coffee.

Researchers suggest simply spraying water on the coffee beans before grinding. This way, the grind will be more uniform, and clumps will not form. Such consistency improves the brewing process and allows water to flow more evenly through the coffee beans.