How to Brew Perfect Pour-Over Coffee
Pour-over coffee offers a clean, bright flavor with a focus on the coffee's acidity and nuances. Here's a step-by-step guide to brewing the perfect cup:
Equipment:
- Pour-over cone
- Filter paper
- Gooseneck kettle
- Scale
- Server
Instructions:
- Prep the equipment: Place a filter paper in the pour-over cone and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste.
- Weigh the coffee: Weigh your desired amount of coffee grounds. A good starting point is 17 grams per 8 ounces of water.
- Heat the water: Bring water to a boil, then let it cool for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it's just off the boil. Experiment with water temperature. Typical settings on an electric carafe will be 190º-210ºF.
- Pour the water: Begin pouring the hot water over the coffee grounds in a circular motion. Aim to saturate the grounds evenly.
- Bloom: Let the coffee bloom for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This allows the carbon dioxide trapped in the grounds to escape, enhancing the flavor.
- Continue pouring: Gradually pour the remaining water over the coffee grounds in a slow, steady stream.
- Wait: Allow the coffee to drip through the filter until the desired amount has been brewed.
- Enjoy: Pour the freshly brewed coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy immediately.
Tips for the perfect pour-over:
- Grind size: Use a medium-fine grind for optimal extraction.
- Water temperature: Use water that's just off the boil for the best flavor.
- Pouring technique: A slow, steady pour helps to ensure even extraction.
- Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios and brewing times to find your perfect cup. Additions of your favorite Dutched cocoa powder, or a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom, and a pinch of sea salt are tasty ways to change things up a bit.
By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can brew perfect pour-over coffee every time.
Take Extra Caution to not crack your hot glass carafe with cold water when washing it! Use WARM Water.