Introduction
There is a gradual shift in India from instant coffee towards brewing ground coffee. The aroma, notes, and flavour of artisanal ground coffee are truly incomparable to regular coffee and once you switch, you cannot go back. For such ground coffee lovers, brewing itself is a pleasure. And finding newer ways of brewing is even better!
While French Press coffee is the OG brewing technique, Aeropress is the new kid on the new kid on the street. For coffee enthusiasts, aeropress is a convenient brewing option. It's a versatile and portable brewing device that produces a rich, smooth, and clean coffee. In this post, we'll explore the history of Aeropress coffee, the best way to brew it, how it tastes, and how it compares to French press coffee. So, let’s get going!
Origin of Aeropress Coffee
Like many great inventions, the Aeropress was devised in a garage to fulfil a simple need: brew coffee which was less bitter and acidic without losing its flavour. The Aeropress coffee maker was invented by Alan Adler, a retired Stanford University engineering lecturer and inventor of the Aerobie flying disc. In 2005, he set out to create a coffee maker that would produce a great-tasting cup of coffee without the bitterness and acidity associated with other brewing methods. The result was the Aeropress, a device that uses air pressure to extract the coffee's flavour. The Aeropress was first introduced in 2005 in the CoffeeFest trade show in Seattle. People loved this new device for brewing a great cup of coffee and became popular throughout the world in no time!
There is also an Aeropress championship which is held every year where people compete to brew the best cup of coffee using an Aeropress in 5 minutes!
Best Way to Brew Aeropress Coffee
To brew a great cup of Aeropress coffee, you will need freshly roasted coffee beans, an Aeropress coffee maker, and hot water.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Heat water to 175-185°F.
2. Grind coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency.
3. Insert a paper filter into the Aeropress and rinse it with hot water.
4. Add the ground coffee to the Aeropress.
5. Pour hot water over the coffee and stir for 10 seconds.
6. Insert the plunger and press down gently for 20-30 seconds.
7. Dilute the coffee with hot water if needed.
8. And voila, enjoy your cup of full-flavoured coffee!
9. How Does Aeropress Coffee Taste?
Aeropress coffee is known for its smooth, rich, and clean taste. It has a lower acidity and bitterness than other brewing methods, making it a great choice for coffee lovers who want a more mellow cup of joe. The coffee's flavour profile depends on the type of coffee beans used, the water temperature, and the brewing time.
Inverted Aeropress
Three years after the Aeropress coffee became a phenomenon, someone decided to flip the chamber, putting the filter on top. This came to be known as the inverted aeropress and people quickly caught up on this new brewing technique. Inverted Aeropress coffee is a brewing method that deviates from the traditional Aeropress technique and offers a unique and distinct coffee experience. The key difference lies in the inversion of the brewing apparatus during the process. In a regular Aeropress, the coffee grounds are placed in the chamber with the filter on the bottom, while in the inverted method, the chamber is flipped, with the filter on top, allowing for a longer steeping time. This inversion enables a full immersion of the coffee grounds in hot water, enhancing the extraction process and resulting in a bolder and more robust flavour profile. Additionally, the inverted Aeropress technique allows for greater control over steeping time, enabling coffee enthusiasts to experiment and fine-tune their brew to achieve the desired strength and taste. The inverted method has gained popularity among coffee lovers seeking a fuller-bodied and more concentrated cup of coffee.
French Press vs Aeropress
The French press and Aeropress are both popular brewing methods, but they produce different results. The French press produces a full-bodied and bold coffee with a higher oil content, while the Aeropress produces a smoother and cleaner coffee with a lower oil content. The French press is ideal for those who prefer a more robust coffee, while the Aeropress is perfect for those who prefer a milder cup of coffee. The Aeropress is also more portable and easier to use than a French press.
Conclusion
The Aeropress is a game-changer in the coffee world. It's a versatile and portable brewing device that produces a smooth, rich, and clean cup of coffee. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can brew a great-tasting cup of Aeropress coffee that will satisfy your coffee cravings. So, the next time you're looking for a new brewing method, give the Aeropress a try.
You can use any of Bombay Island’s artisanal coffee to brew an aromatic cup using an Aeropress. And if you’re not in the mood for home-brewing, you can always visit our cafes for some great food, coffee, and conversations!