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The method used for brewing coffee significantly impacts the achieved flavor. Several techniques may be employed, depending upon the available equipment, when preparing a cup of your perfect espresso.
Single Origin vs Coffee Blends
Single Origin coffees with their outlandish traditional flavors from across the globe, offer natural flavors native to a certain region.
On the other hand coffee blends provide artful mixing of different types of beans to deliver a custom-made aroma, body and taste.
Brewing Techniques
Coffee can be brewed using various procedures and equipment. Comparing methods can be tricky, however, all processes have their own virtues and brewing preferences vary individually. Some common brewing techniques and apparatus are given for your consumption.
Top Home Brewing Styles
A variety of practices are followed around the world to obtain the many tastes that coffee beans have to offer. Although four main methods are globally employed, to brew great tasting coffee at home.
The Pour Over
The pour over or drip method is one of the oldest and quickest way of preparing coffee. It is based on the concept of hot water dripping over ground coffee, placed over a filter. The pouring liquid is then collected in a pot or cup underneath.
Coffee Cone
A funnel like accessory made of glass, plastic or other materials is used for pour over. The filter is placed in the cone and the shape of the cone actually determines the flavor attained.
Chemex
Developed in 1941, the apparatus is a flask which is designed specifically for pour over. The filters used with this device are special Chemex filters, 20 – 30% heavier than normal filters.
For Optimal Results Light / complex flavoured beans ground to fine or medium level.
Brewing Time 04 minutes approx
Plunger Press
This method uses mechanisms with plungers that filter out the brews while applying pressure, to lock in the aroma.
French Press
The method involves a device in which a container (a carafe or flask) is fitted with a plunger filter. Boiling water along with coffee grounds are transferred into the container, where the brewing takes place. Once ready, the plunger is pressed down, making the solid particles settle at the bottom while filtered coffee is left at the top. Invented in 1929, it is the most popular method among coffee enthusiasts.
For Optimal Results Medium or dark roasted beans ground to coarse grains.
Brewing Time 04 minutes approx
AeroPress
Comparable to the French Press, the AeroPress contains two nesting cylinders. One cylinder has a flexible airtight seal and fits inside the larger cylinder, same as in a syringe. Fine ground coffee is placed in the bottom of the larger cylinder on top of a paper micro-filter. Hot water is poured and the mixture is stirred shortly, before pressing the cylinder to collect freshly brewed coffee in the container underneath.
For Optimal Results Medium or light roasted beans ground to medium fine grain.
Brewing Time 30 seconds approx.
Percolate: Stovetop Moka Pot
The Italian technique involves a relatively complex mechanism, wherein steam is passed through fine coffee grounds, in order to extract a rich flavor. The Moka Pot is a pitcher shaped container, with water added to the bottom and a filter basket with grounds placed in the middle. Extracted coffee is collected in the upper chamber.
For Optimal Results Medium Roast beans ground medium to medium-fine.
Brewing Time 05 minutes approx
Vacuum: Siphon
Prized for producing the clearest brews, this fancy apparatus heats water in the lower vessel of the brewer until expansion forces the contents through a narrow tube into an upper vessel containing coffee grounds. The coffee extraction keeps going, till the heat is turned off. The coffee may then be collected from the lower chamber, as it reaches there under gravity.
For Optimal Results Light Roast fine ground coffee
Brewing Time 1 min 10 secs approx
Barista Tips
- For phenomenal Espresso brewing at home
- Keep your coffee well stored, away from contamination
- Use filtered water
- Keep your equipment clean
- Measure your coffee and water precisely
- Best Espresso Machines for Beginners 2021
- How to Make Espresso Coffee
- The Ultimate Steps to Make Your Perfect Shot of Espresso
In short
Several methods are there, each with its own pros and cons. Nevertheless, any procedure used should be properly understood and performed to get yourself an optimum espresso.