Are you a coffee aficionado and want to discover a simple but extremely refined method of preparation? Filter coffee could be exactly what you are looking for. This method, also known as drip coffee, is appreciated for its delicate flavour and versatility. In this article, we will explore what filter coffee is, how best to prepare it and what variables can influence its taste.
If you are curious about the secrets of making the perfect cup of coffee and also want to discover the best coffee machines to take the leap, you are in the right place!
What is filter coffee?
Filter coffee is one of the oldest and most popular coffee brewing methods globally and is appreciated for its simplicity and distinctive flavour.
The percolation technique, perfected in the early 1900s in Germany, owes much of its popularity to the invention of paper filters by Melitta Bentz in 1908. This method involves hot water slowly dripping through ground coffee placed in a filter, allowing the gradual extraction of soluble substances and resulting in a beverage with a unique, aromatic taste.
Although it accounts for around 80% of the world’s coffee consumption, filter coffee is less common in Italy, where espresso reigns supreme. However, it is also starting to gain attention in Italy, where more and more enthusiasts are curious to discover its characteristics.
Despite the bad reputation that can result from poor quality preparation, specialised coffee shops are using refined techniques to obtain a high-quality filter coffee. This method offers an interesting alternative and challenges traditions, inviting you to explore new horizons in the world of coffee.
We at Pontevecchio understand coffee: trust us, give filter coffee a chance!
How to make filter coffee?
Preparing filter coffee requires a combination of tools and techniques that significantly influence the final result. This method, based on percolation or infusion, involves the use of a filter and a collection container to extract the soluble substances from the ground coffee. There are several pieces of equipment, each with its own peculiarities, that can influence the aroma and flavour of coffee.
The most common tools include the V60, also known as a ‘dripper’, which uses a paper filter and allows precise control of the water flow, ideal for a clean and well-balanced tasting filter coffee. The French Press, another popular tool, is also used for tea and herbal teas; here, the coffee is infused directly with hot water and then separated using a piston. The Chemex, similar to an hourglass carafe, uses thick paper filters for deeper filtration and particularly clear coffee. The modern and versatile Aeropress offers fast and intense extraction, while the Syphon, with its glass globe design, adds a spectacular touch to the brewing process.
Each tool brings a different approach to extraction, influencing the final taste of filter coffee. The choice of tool depends on personal preference and the type of result desired.
Remember that if you want to drink good coffee, you should do it with the right machine; discover the right coffee machine for you.
Important variables for filter coffee
When brewing filter coffee, the management of extraction variables is crucial to achieving a quality cup. These variables include the type of water, water temperature, coffee grind and extraction time, all of which interact with each other and can greatly influence the end result.
The type of water used, it does not even need to be emphasised, is crucial. Water with a high chlorine content or inadequate hardness could alter the taste of the coffee. For optimal preparation, it is advisable to use good quality mineral water, which helps to ensure a good extraction without altering the flavour profile of the coffee.
The temperature of the water plays an equally important role. Water that is too hot accelerates the extraction, potentially extracting unwanted compounds and making the coffee bitter, while water that is too cold slows down the process, leading to poor extraction and a more acidic coffee. The ideal temperature for preparing filter coffee is around 92°C.
The grind of the coffee is another crucial variable. A fine grind speeds up the extraction, making the coffee more bitter, while a coarse grind slows down the extraction, bringing out more acidic and fruity notes. For a balanced filter coffee, a medium grind is often the best choice.
Finally, the extraction time must be carefully controlled to achieve the right balance between all these variables. The recommended extraction time varies between 5 and 10 minutes. Remember that a well-calibrated preparation guarantees a filter coffee with a rich and harmonious flavour.
The recipe for filter coffee at home
Making excellent filter coffee at home is easy if you follow the right recipe. Here is a foolproof method for making two perfect cups using the V60:
Ingredients:
- 15g medium ground coffee (approx. 25 clicks of the Commander grinder)
- 250g water
Procedure:
- Pour 30g of water over the coffee powder, making sure it is completely immersed. Let it sit for 30 seconds using water at a temperature between 88 and 94°C.
- Now slowly add 120g of water, until you reach a total of 150g. Wait for 20 seconds.
- Finally, pour in the remaining 100g of water, thus reaching a total of 250g.
The total percolation time should be about 2 minutes and 45 seconds.
Filter coffee vs espresso
Filter coffee and espresso offer very different experiences, and the choice between the two often depends on personal preference. If you are open to exploring new ways of tasting, filter coffee might surprise you positively.
Unlike espresso, which is known for its intensity and creamy texture, filter coffee is characterised by a tea-like lightness. This difference in consistency makes filter coffee milder and less full-bodied. In addition, the longer and gentler extraction method of filter coffee allows it to bring out a more complex flavour profile, with subtle notes and taste details that might be less evident in espresso.
Preparing a filter coffee is not only a matter of taste, but also of experience. This process requires time and attention, offering a moment of reflection and an opportunity to appreciate each sip. If you wish to broaden your knowledge of coffee and discover new nuances, filter coffee could be a fascinating and rewarding choice.
Conclusion
Now that you have discovered more about the world of filter coffee, remember that if you want to drink good coffee, you should do so with the right machine, such as a lever machine. The peculiarity of this model is in fact its unique ability to preserve all the taste of coffee.
What are you waiting for? Discover the Pontevecchio machine that is right for you and taste the true essence of coffee.
