In the world of specialty coffee, we often geek out over really complicated stuff, like extraction and TDS, in the hope that it will somehow magically transform our brews from mediocre to world-class.
That’s why it’s so fascinating when somebody comes up with a really simple trick that has a massive impact.
In this video, the former World Barista Champion James Hoffmann explains how adding a few drops of water, can help you get rid of static in your grinder.
I love James Hoffmann’s content. Usually, he’s got a really curious attitude, and no problem questioning some of the many dogmas and superstitions in specialty coffee.
the ‘ross droplet technique’?
In the video above James gives credit to a coffee guy named John Ermacoff, but other coffee geeks claim that this is actually an old trick called the ‘Ross Droplet Technique’, often abbreviated to “RDT”
Regardless of the name or who invented it, it’s a pretty damn neat trick – especially if you have a grinder chute or coffee container that is prone to static.
Just dip a spoon in a bit of water, and swirl it around between the beans before you grind them. Easy!
You can also have a little spray bottle on your coffee station and just add a little spritz to the beans before grinding for an even easier workflow.
Anyway, enough talk. Check out the video and let me know in the comment section if this trick has changed your life just a little bit.
Further Reading: What’s the Difference Between Espresso and Coffee?
Featured Top Image: David Joyce | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Source
FAQ
Static electricity is a complex phenomenon. It can happen when friction causes an imbalance between the charge of different particles. The more humid the surroundings is, the less likely it is to happen. But there are several factors at play.
Some grinders have use better materials, which can reduce static. Using “RDT” will often help.
Coffee geeks recommend an old trick called the ‘Ross Droplet Technique’. Regardless of the name or who invented it, it’s a pretty damn neat trick – especially if you have a grounds bin that is prone to static. Just dip a spoon in a bit of water, and swirl it around between the beans before you grind them. Easy!
