What should be done if espresso shots appear to be too bitter?

If espresso shots appear to be too bitter, decreasing the extraction time is an effective way to address this issue. Bitterness in espresso is often a result of over-extraction, which occurs when water extracts too many compounds from the coffee grounds during brewing. When the coffee is over-extracted, it can lead to an imbalanced flavor profile that emphasizes bitter notes.

By decreasing the extraction time, you reduce the contact between water and coffee grounds, which minimizes the extraction of the bitter compounds. This adjustment can enhance the overall flavor balance of the espresso shot, making it more pleasant and sweet.

In terms of the other options, increasing the temperature could potentially worsen bitterness, as higher temperatures can extract more bitter compounds. Adjusting the grind setting to a coarser level would result in under-extraction, leading to a sour taste instead of mitigating bitterness. Finely grinding the coffee would lead to over-extraction, further intensifying bitterness rather than alleviating it.