If your shots are running longer than 26 seconds, you need to adjust the grind to be more?

When your espresso shots are running longer than 26 seconds, it's an indication that the extraction process is taking too much time, which typically results in over-extraction. To address this, you need to adjust the grind size to be more coarse, which means shifting your grind adjustment to the left. A coarser grind allows for faster water flow during the brewing process, reducing the extraction time and helping to achieve a more balanced flavor.

Optimizing grind size is crucial in espresso preparation, as it directly affects the extraction time and the final taste of the coffee. By coarsening the grind, the water can move through the coffee grounds more freely, ultimately leading to a quicker and more appropriate extraction duration. This adjustment helps in achieving the desirable flavor profile without allowing the coffee to become bitter or overly concentrated.