Coffee Preparation: A primer
Coffee is the elixir of life for many people and the best way to get the day started. We have come a long way from the old days of percolated ‘Folger’s in your cup’ and have today so many different brewing methods and types of coffee. Just as diverse as the new phenomenon of microbrews, coffee has transcended the Yuban or Folgers that our folks drank, becoming a diverse pallet pleasing experience. This article will discuss the different coffee brewing methods, so you can make the choice which is the best way to enjoy your cup of joe.
Espresso
A method by which hot water is pushed through a port-filter full of compressed ground coffee. This method produces a strong, very complex version of coffee, filled with oils and aroma. Espresso shots are comprised of three layers (top to bottom): Crema, Body and Heart, and to be able to pull a shot of espresso takes training. I strongly suggest going to one of the many local artisan coffee shops and trying straight espresso shots, in order to fully understand the complex nature of pulling an amazing shot.
Chemex
Where beauty and simplicity meet in the middle and brew an exceptionally clean cup of coffee. Coarse grind, hot water and a thick filter is all you need to have a French press style of full flavor. The filter is the true key to the Chemex, using the wrong style can cause the water to run through too fast, thus creating a weak cup of coffee. The filter acts as a flow regulator and aficionados of the Chemex prefer adding just enough hot water to cover the grounds and then repeat until desired amount of coffee is brewed. Chemex seems like a messy way to make coffee, but it truly is simple and easy once you get the hang of it.
Drip Coffee
This is the most popular method in United States for its ease and the ability to set it and forget it–the true lazy man’s style of coffee. This is one of those times that spending a little more for your drip coffee machine will yield a better cup of Joe in the morning. Utilizing ground coffee, a filter and water, you simply flip a switch and a few minutes later, voila, you have coffee.
French Press
French Press, or press pot, is a simple brewing method using a beaker and plunger. By pouring hot water over your coarse grounds, allowing the grounds to soak up the water for a few minutes, press and you have a full bodied rich cup of coffee. Anyone that has had a French press cup of coffee know that you will have a bit of sludge in the bottom of your cup, but that is part of the flavor of using this method.
Aeropress
Relatively new to the coffee scene, this one cup coffee-maker, is a huge hit and gaining ground as a viable method to brewing a great cup of coffee. It is a two-step process that resembles a small French press–soak the grounds in hot water for a few minutes and press. This has become a traveler’s dream for coffee on the road, because, let’s face it, hotel coffee is less than satisfying.
Cold Brew
If coffee and your stomach aren’t on the same page, then cold brew is the best option for brewing coffee. This is a slow 12-36 hour process, where you use cold water to soak the coffee grounds and allow all the oils and caffeine to escape and make a concentrated coffee. The reason that this method is great for anyone with issues with coffee is that hot water brings out the acidic properties of coffee, and the cold method does not shock the coffee and allows for low acidity. Once you make your concentrate you can store it in the fridge and have coffee at any moment by just adding water–this can be done both cold and hot.
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About the Author: Ryan Mitchell With a number of years of barista work in high-end coffee shops, Ryan brings a unique and valued perspective to the preparation and enjoyment of coffee. As a native of Texas, he enjoys his coffee strong and lives for the outdoors where he spends a lot of his free time hiking with his dog Lincoln. |