Coffee lovers, rejoice! Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have uncovered a simple yet effective way to brew stronger coffee using pour-over methods. The key? Thick water jets, typically found in standard gooseneck kettles.
In a study published in Physics of Fluids, the team discovered that high-height pour-over brewing with thick water jets creates an avalanche effect in the coffee grounds, allowing for better mixing between the water and the grounds. This leads to a stronger, more flavorful coffee with fewer beans.
The researchers used laser-illuminated transparent particles in a glass funnel to visualize the mixing dynamics and understand how the liquid jet affects the grains. They found that thin water jets break up into droplets, failing to mix the coffee grounds effectively.
While the study focused on coffee, the team emphasizes the potential for kitchen science applications. “We can learn something from both chemistry and physics by looking at the kitchen,” said author Arnold Mathijssen. The researchers encourage enthusiasts to try this method at home to unlock new brewing secrets.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-04-unveiling-physics-brewing-thick-jets.html