1. Selection of coffee beans
The quality of filter coffee begins with the careful selection of coffee beans. Always use fresh, high-quality beans for the best possible taste experience. It is recommended to buy beans in small batches so they do not need to be stored for long and retain their freshness. Ideally, the beans should be ground shortly before brewing. This preserves the volatile aromas and oils that contribute significantly to the coffee's flavor.
Arabica beans are particularly popular for their balanced flavor and are often used for filter coffee. They have less caffeine and more acid than Robusta beans, resulting in a milder and more complex flavor profile. Arabica beans offer a variety of flavors, ranging from fruity and floral to nutty and chocolatey.
2. The right grind
The grind of the coffee is crucial for extracting the aromas and thus for the flavor of the final product. For filter coffee, the grind should be medium to coarse, finer than coarse sea salt and more like grains of sand.
A grind that's too fine will result in over-extraction of the coffee beans. This means too many aromas and oils are extracted from the coffee, which can lead to a bitter and unpleasant taste. On the other hand, a grind that's too coarse will result in under-extraction, which doesn't release enough aromas. The result is a weak and watery coffee that lacks the expected flavor nuances.
To achieve the optimal grind size, it's recommended to use a high-quality coffee grinder that allows for a consistent grind. Grinders with burrs, rather than blade or impact grinders, are the best choice here, as they grind the beans evenly and offer more precise control over the grind size than blade grinders. By adjusting the grind size, you can experiment and find the perfect flavor for your filter coffee.
3. The water
The quality and temperature of the water are crucial for the taste of filter coffee. Use filtered water whenever possible to avoid impurities and unwanted flavors. Filtered water helps bring out the pure aromas of the coffee.
The optimal water temperature for brewing filter coffee is between 90 and 96 degrees Celsius. If the water is too hot, the coffee can be over-extracted and bitter. If it's too cold, the flavors won't be fully extracted, resulting in a flat taste. A kettle with a temperature control is particularly useful here, as it allows for precise control of the water temperature.
4. The ratio of coffee to water
The coffee-to-water ratio is another important factor for perfect filter coffee. A typical ratio is 1:15 to 1:17, meaning 1 gram of coffee contains 15 to 17 grams of water. For a 250 ml cup of coffee, you'll need approximately 15-17 grams of coffee grounds and 250 ml of water.
The right ratio ensures that the coffee is neither too strong nor too weak. Too high a ratio of water to coffee will result in watery and weak coffee, while too low a ratio will result in overly strong and bitter coffee. By maintaining the correct ratio, you can enjoy a balanced cup of coffee with optimal aromas and flavors.
6. The brewing process
Pre-brewing (blooming)
First, pour a small amount of hot water (about twice the amount of coffee grounds) evenly over the coffee grounds to coat them. Let the coffee "bloom" for about 30 seconds. This allows the coffee to release CO2 and ensures a consistent extraction.
Main brews
Pour the remaining water slowly and evenly over the coffee in a circular motion. Make sure the water always covers the entire ground coffee. The entire brewing process should take about 2-3 minutes. A steady, slow pour ensures optimal extraction of the flavors.
7. After brewing
Remove the filter and stir the coffee briefly to distribute the flavors evenly. Let the coffee rest for a moment to allow the aromas to develop. Then pour the coffee into your cup and enjoy.
Tips for the perfect filter coffee
- Freshness: Always use fresh beans and grind them shortly before preparation.
- Equipment: Invest in a good coffee grinder and a high-quality filter coffee maker or hand filter.
- Experiment: Try different beans, grinds, and brewing methods to find your perfect taste.
- Cleanliness: Keep your equipment clean to avoid unwanted
To avoid changes in taste.
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