If you're a coffee lover, you might have heard of the Chemex - a beautiful glass coffee maker that produces a delicious, clean-tasting cup of coffee. The Chemex's unique hourglass shape and paper filter work together to create a distinct flavor profile that many coffee enthusiasts appreciate. It's easy to use, eco-friendly, and is often used in cafes and homes alike.
The Brewguide
Step 1 - Preparation
Before you begin brewing, gather all the necessary equipment: a Chemex, a filter, freshly roasted coffee beans, a grinder, a scale, and a kettle. Start by boiling water and bringing it to around 92°C, which is the ideal temperature for brewing coffee.
Step 2 - Weting the filter
Place the filter into the Chemex, making sure that the triple-fold side is facing the spout. Wet the filter with hot water, which helps to remove any papery taste and preheat the Chemex
Step 3 - The Bloom Pour
Add 40 grams of freshly ground coffee to the filter and make a bloom pour of 80 grams of water, which will saturate the grounds and allow them to release carbon dioxide. Let the coffee bloom for 30 seconds
Step 4 - Swirling for Even Extraction
Swirling the coffee during the bloom is important to ensure that all of the coffee grounds are fully saturated with water. This helps to extract the full flavor potential of the coffee, resulting in a more balanced and delicious cup.
Step 5 - Three Pours for Optimal Brew
After the bloom stage, it's time to pour the remaining 570 grams of water. To ensure even extraction and flavor distribution, divide this amount into three equal parts of 190 grams each. Every 30 seconds, pour 190 grams of water slowly and steadily in a circular motion, being careful not to agitate the coffee grounds. Repeat this process until you reach a total of 650 grams poured. This pouring technique helps to saturate the grounds evenly and enhance the extraction process, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful cup of coffee.
Step 6 - Finishing Strong
When it comes to brewing your perfect cup of coffee using the Chemex method, remember that the total brew time should be around 4-5 minutes. Once you've poured all the water, it's time for a little flourish: give the Chemex a gentle swirl. This final touch helps to create a flat and even coffee bed, which allows for a consistent extraction and a balanced flavor profile. Once the final pour is complete, let the coffee drip through the filter until it stops dripping.Remove the filter and discard the coffee grounds.
Pour your coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy!