True or False: Firmly tamping coffee is more important than good distribution in preventing channeling.

Good distribution of coffee grounds in the portafilter is crucial for preventing channeling, which occurs when water flows unevenly through the coffee during extraction. Even if the coffee is firmly tamped, if the distribution is poor, water can find easier paths through the coffee, leading to uneven extraction.

When the coffee grounds are not well distributed, it results in areas of compaction and areas that are less densely packed. During the brewing process, water will flow through the path of least resistance, which often corresponds to the less compacted areas. This causes channeling, producing over-extracted or under-extracted flavors in the cup.

While tamping ensures that the coffee grounds are compact enough to create resistance against the flow of water, it does not address the fact that uneven distribution can still allow for channeling to occur. Therefore, achieving a well-distributed coffee bed is fundamental in the brewing process to ensure even extraction as well as preventing channeling.