Coffee filtration is one of the oldest and easiest ways for brewing coffee. Also, it is one of the most popular methods of brewing it. On the global scale, filter coffee represents 80% of the coffee consumption and in some parts of the globe, filter coffee is more popular and used than espresso. That being said, if you are looking to find out more about this brewing method or a new way of brewing your daily cup of coffee, this article will be great for you.
History of Paper Coffee Filters
There are different types of coffee filters and you probably use them or at least saw them in the supermarket so you know how they look. These basket type paper flyers date back to the early 20th Century. They were invented by a german entrepreneur named Melitta Bentz with the purpose of removing the bitter taste of coffee which was caused by the boiling loose grounds. After she patented her creation, she created the Mellita company in order to sell them.
A few years later another successful coffee company called Flemish Coffee Rombouts launched its first Cup Coffee Filter. Their product was a huge success and as time passed it started to spread all over the world.
What is Filter Coffee?
In order to perfectly understand what filter coffee is, first we have to understand the meaning of filtration. By its definition, filtration is the physical or mechanical operation which makes the separation of solids from fluids by using a medium through which only what is fluid can pass.
So, when it comes to filter coffee, the filtration process is a very important step of the process, allowing the smooth separation of the coffee grounds from the drink. This way you will get a clean and less bitter beverage with a great taste.
Filter coffee is very popular and respected in some places of the world, such as Northern Europe and in the United States as well. It is usually known as long brewed coffee or american coffee. By being known as american coffee, many people confuse the filter coffee with Americano coffee, but it is completely different. While the filter coffee is made out of pouring hot water on the coffee beans and letting it drip slowly, the Americano coffee is made out of an espresso diluted with hot water.
Coffee Filtration Methods
Filtration is used for almost every coffee brewing method, but the most popular and common methods are the screen filter, the filter basket or the paper filter. The Turkish coffee is one example of a brewing method that does not use filtration.
Filtration plays a very important role in filter coffee brewing. This method relies on pouring or dripping the hot water over the ground coffee that are placed inside the coffee filter. After the water is poured over, it will slowly drain through the grounded coffee and the coffee filter straight in the bowl. It takes a couple of minutes to get a cup of coffee, if you are using high quality coffee the taste of it will be amazing.
Another method that you can use for filtrating your coffee is by using the French Press. This method filters out only the bigger particles of coffee offering a stronger taste to it. It uses a built-in course filter.
The espresso brewing method is another way of filtrating your coffee. In this method a portafilter is being used and also an espresso machine. This filter is not close to being as fine as a coffee filter but it is a little finer than the french presse’s filter. With the espresso brewing method the coffee is filtered under pressure offering a strong taste of coffee.
All of the methods presented above will offer you a different coffee drinking experience. They will taste different and depending on your preferences you can choose your favourite. If you want a stronger taste espresso brewing is for you or if you want a lighter coffee drink, you will have to brew your coffee with a coffee filter.