#coffeeschool: do you know everything about filter coffee?
Although still not very common among Italians’ habits, filter coffee is one of the oldest methods of extraction that allows to obtain one of the most known and used coffee-based drinks in the world.Common opinion mistakenly associates it with the better known “American Coffee” but actually, this extraction method was devised in Germany.
Filter coffee is obtained by percolation or by gravity filtration.
The system is based on the principle of slowly dripping hot water through a layer of ground coffee placed in a filter. Initially, linen cloths were used to filter, but, over time, the technique changed obtaining better results with paper filters.
By percolating, water dissolves the water-soluble substances contained in the coffee powder, transferring them to the drink and giving it aromas, perfumes and characteristics perceptible in a different way than other extraction methods.
The result is a drink full of aromas, a kind of infusion rich in caffeine thanks to the long time of percolation, but with soft body and without creaminess that characterizes espresso coffee – because of the absence of pressure – to be savored slowly and in a large mug. It is a coffee that can be enriched with spices of all kinds, to obtain a new and always different taste experience.
Just like espresso, it is necessary to follow specific rules so that the extraction is optimal, let’s see together what they are:
- excellent Arabica (for example, our Excellence Single Origins) are perfect for this extraction, thanks to their unique aromas
- the roasting, from light to medium
- the grinding must be rather coarse
- the water temperature (preferably not tap water, but on average mineral) between 92 ° C and 96 ° C
- 8 gr of coffee
- 125 ml of water
- Water / coffee contact time: 4-6 minutes
There are various methods of coffee brewing, each with its own specific characteristics: V60, Frenchpress, Chemex, Cold Brew, Aeropress or Siphon? It’s up to you to choose and try your favorite one!
Definitely a different coffee from the classic espresso one, a cuddle that can be enjoyed at any time of the day and suitable for moments of relaxation, but also giving us the right energy!