Do you love coffee as much as we do? For many of us, coffee is the fuel that gets us through the day. But have you ever wondered how to make a truly great cup of coffee? There are many methods of brewing coffee, each with its own unique taste and texture. Today, we're going to dive into one of the most visually stunning and complex brewing methods out there: Siphon or Vacuum coffee. Don’t get scared if you feel like you’re in a chemistry class, that is just the magic of brewing a flavorful siphon coffee.
The History of Siphon Coffee
Did you know that the Siphon coffee maker was invented in the 1830s by a French housewife named Madame Vassieux? Interestingly, the same design was also invented by a Scottish marine engineer around the same time. The first syphon coffee maker was made of glass and metal and was known as the ‘Silex’. The Siphon brewing method became popular in Europe in the 19th century and later in Japan in the early 20th century. The Japanese have since perfected the Siphon brewing method, and it has become a popular brewing method in specialty coffee shops worldwide. Siphon method is used to brew precisely and results in a tea-like coffee with rich flavour and taste.
The Best Way to Brew Siphon Coffee
To brew a great cup of siphon coffee, you'll need a siphon coffee maker, freshly roasted coffee beans or ground coffee, and a heat source.
Here's how to do it:
1. Fill the bottom chamber or bulb of the Siphon water and place it on your heat source.
2. Place a wet filter paper in the upper chamber and attach it to the bulb securely.
3. As steam is generated in the bulb, the water is pushed through to the upper chamber. Some water will stay in the bulb, this is normal.
4. Add the ground coffee to the upper chamber and give it a gentle stir.
5. After a minute or so, remove the Siphon from the heat source.
6. The brewed coffee will travel back to the bottom chamber through the vacuum process.
7. Once the coffee has settled, you can pour it into your cup.
How Does Syphon Coffee Taste?
Siphon coffee is known for its complex and flavorful taste. It has a delicate and smooth texture with a clean finish, similar to a tea. The coffee's flavour profile depends on the type of coffee beans used, the grind size, the water temperature, and the brewing time. Siphon coffee has a light and bright taste that is less bitter than other brewing methods.
Difference Between Siphon and Other Popular Brewing Methods
Siphon coffee is different from other popular brewing methods, such as French press and drip coffee. The French press produces a bold and robust coffee with a high oil content, while the Siphon produces a smoother and cleaner coffee with a low oil content. Drip coffee is brewed by dripping hot water through a filter, producing a clean and consistent cup of coffee. Syphon coffee, on the other hand, uses a vacuum to extract the coffee's flavour, resulting in a unique taste and texture.
Conclusion
Did you know that syphon coffee was popular among scientists in the 19th century? They believed that the brewing method produced a more accurate and precise cup of coffee. To get more precise in your coffee brewing, syphon is the way to go. Moreover, it is a delight to the eyes! It produces a visually stunning and complex cup of coffee. It may seem complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy to make at home. So, the next time you're looking for a new brewing method, give the Siphon a try and taste the difference for yourself!
Or if you don’t feel confident yet to try the Siphon brewing method at home, Bombay Island Coffee will be thrilled to serve our finest of artisanal coffees brewed the siphon way!