With the launch of our new coffee subscription, we’ve placed a special emphasis on discussing where each roast comes from and the various flavor profiles that you can choose from. But aside from choosing a roast that fits your preferences, you should also know your options when it comes to preparation.
As the world of coffee continues to evolve, there’s an increasing amount of machines and gadgets available for those who are interested in more advanced or new ways to prepare coffee. Since the list of new advances can go on and on (and since not all options are time-efficient for everyday use), we’re going to instead dive into 5 of the more crowd-pleasing options that are reliable and make a great cup of coffee, beyond the automatic coffee maker.
5 Popular Methods of Coffee Preparation at Home
Pour Over
The pour-over method is when water is poured slowly and evenly over coffee grounds. The grounds are held in a paper or metal filter, as shown in the image above. One of the advantages of pour-over coffee is that you can make a personal cup if you’re only making it for yourself, or there are larger presentations that allow you to make a bigger batch. The Chemex brewing system is an example of this.
Pour-over coffee is known for its simplicity, consistency, and flavor profile. The slow extraction time allows for a greater range of flavors to be extracted from the coffee, making way for a more nuanced and complex flavor profile. If this type of preparation grabs your attention, we recommend trying it with our Gitega Hills roast.
French Press
The French Press is a classic and continues to be a fan favorite because it’s easy and helps bring out the robust, full-bodied flavor profile of the coffee beans. All you have to do is place the ground coffee and hot water in the French Press, allow it to steep for several minutes, press it through the metal filter, and serve.
This method is also known for being cost-efficient, as it does not require any additional pods or filters. You also have control over certain variables, meaning you can experiment with the coffee-to-water ratio, steeping time, and water temperature to find what works best for you.
Cold Brew
Most of us love a great cold brew, but did you know that you can actually make it yourself with only two ingredients: water and coffee! This preparation takes more planning than the others, but it’s well worth the wait. All you have to do is place your coffee grounds and water in a large container, cover, and let sit for 12-24 hours (depending on how strong you like it). After steeping, strain it through a coffee filter and serve! You can keep it in your refrigerator for up to a week, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch to look forward to all week long.
As a result of the cold water and long steeping time, fewer of the bitter compounds found in coffee beans are extracted. That’s why cold brew coffee has a smoother, less acidic taste, less bitterness, and a lower caffeine content.
Espresso
Espressos are favored by many coffee enthusiasts, but you don’t have to have a fancy machine to achieve a great espresso at home. If you do have one, more power to you! If not, then you can make stovetop espresso, otherwise known as moka pot coffee. To make espresso in the moka pot, fill the bottom chamber with cold water, add the coffee grounds to the basket, screw the top and bottom chambers together, and place it on the stove on medium-high heat. The water in the bottom chamber will boil and create pressure, forcing the hot water up through the coffee grounds and into the top chamber, where it will collect as espresso. You can then serve it alone or with your favorite add-ins, such as coffee or one of our artisanal syrups.
If you’re an espresso lover, then you know that this beverage is packed with a strong flavor and a boost of energy. It’s also the base of so many popular drinks, such as cappuccinos, macchiatos, and lattes. Whether you have an espresso machine or you’re opting for moka pot coffee, we recommend you use our Gaitania roast to ensure a great brew.
AeroPress
AeroPress coffee is a type of coffee preparation that’s not as well known as the others mentioned in this article. To make coffee in an AeroPress, you first have to place a filter in the cap and then attach it to the brewing chamber. Once you add the coffee grounds to the brewing chamber, you’ll need to pour hot water over the grounds and stir it. And lastly, insert the plunger into the brewing chamber and press down gently to create pressure. The pressure created by the plunger forces the brewed coffee through the filter and into your cup, resulting in a smooth and rich cup of coffee.
It may sound a little complicated, but it’s actually a fast and efficient option. Its size also makes it perfect for those who need a quick pick-me-up wherever they go. You can throw it in your backpack or take it on a camping trip to make a quick and delicious cup of coffee.
Try These Coffee Brewing Methods at Home with Pax & Beneficia Coffee
There are various different methods to brew coffee; what’s important is that you choose the one that you enjoy doing. Remember that making coffee is an art; you can experiment with different brewing methods, try different coffee-to-water ratios to determine how strong you like your coffee, and even choose your roast based on its story and flavor profile.
At Pax & Beneficia, we have various roasts with unique origins for you to choose from. We invite you to browse our roasts and find the one that excites you! Once you find the right one, give it a try with one of the methods mentioned above. And if you like it, sign up for our subscription service so that you can get your favorite coffee delivered at the frequency of your choice.
