During brewing, you can think of acidity, aroma, taste, and bitterness as particles of different sizes—some leaner, some fatter. They dissolve and extract at different rates, so at different points during coffee extraction, the proportion of these particles varies, resulting in distinct flavor expressions in the coffee.

The relationship between relative extraction strength and time

When brewing for the same duration, the relative intensity of various compounds in the coffee liquid differs, which can be discerned through sensory evaluation during tasting.

　 ■ Acidic compounds are lighter or smaller in size, so they can be extracted in higher amounts within a shorter time.

■ Aroma and flavor compounds follow closely behind acidity in reaching peak extraction intensity, depending on their relative abundance in the coffee itself.

■ Fine particles play a significant role in the secondary peak of aroma and flavor.

■ Heavier BODY or sweetness compounds require a longer extraction time to become pronounced.

■ Once the extraction intensity of a certain type of coffee compound peaks, the presence of other types may be masked (which is why you might perceive a rise in sweetness alongside a drop in acidity).

So, to return to the question: Which is easier for water to extract—larger particles or smaller ones?

Compared to acidic compounds, sugar-like particles are larger in size, so they extract more slowly (or require a longer time to be fully extracted).

In short, smaller flavor particles dissolve and enter the coffee liquid more quickly, while larger ones do so more slowly. Therefore, by controlling brew time, you can adjust the ratio of larger and smaller particles in the coffee liquid, thereby determining the balance of flavors and textures.

During brewing, if you want to highlight sweetness, try extending the brew time to allow sufficient extraction of sweet compounds; if you want to emphasize acidity, try shortening the brew time; if there’s bitter flavor you dislike, you can also try reducing the brew time slightly.