Are you tired of drinking the same cup of coffee every morning and ready for a change? Get started with slow coffee, also called filter coffee, and spice up your coffee game!

This blog will teach you the basics of making filter coffee, a brewing method in which you can taste and influence all the beautiful flavors of the coffee. We'll talk about everything from selecting the right coffee beans and grinds, to the optimal water temperature for brewing the perfect filter coffee. Because really, all these variables can make or break the taste of your cup of coffee.

If you're impatient, this might not be your thing. Filter coffee takes time, patience and, above all, a lot of practice. This is for real coffee lovers, who are willing to discover new flavors and aromas and enjoy every sip. Are you ready to take on this challenge? Then let's get started!

Back to basics

The very first step to your first filter coffee is selecting the right coffee beans. It may seem like a small step, but it has a huge impact on the final taste. The beans should be fresh, preferably straight from the roaster, and they should be ground just before brewing the coffee. My personal preference is always light roast coffee because it contains subtle, sweet and fruity flavors.

For filter coffee, grind the coffee beans coarser than for espresso preparations, for example, for the best extraction.

Next we have the water. The quality of the water can make a big difference in your cup of filter coffee. The influence of water on your coffee is really great. It is ideal to use filtered water, free from impurities that could affect the taste. The temperature of the water is also a crucial factor. It should be hot enough to extract the flavors, but not so hot that it burns the coffee. As a starting point you can aim for a water temperature of between 92 - 96 degrees Celsius.

Step-by-step guide to making your first cup

If you've never made filter coffee before, this process might intimidate you a little. But fear not - this guide is specially designed to guide you through all the steps and help you make a delicious cup of filter coffee. Let's start! In the recipe below we have used the commonly used V60 method. Would you like to know more about this method? Then check out our ultimate Hario V60 coffee recipe .

STEP 1: HEAT WATER

Start by using preferably filtered water and fill your kettle. Heat the water to 94 degrees Celsius. If you have a kettle with an adjustable temperature, set it to 94 degrees Celsius. If you use a regular kettle, let the water cool to this temperature.

STEP 2: INSERT THE FILTER

Place the filter in the V60 (we currently recommend using the special Light Roast paper filter from Cafec). Place the V60 on the jug and rinse the filter with hot water. Then empty the can. This step is essential for several reasons: it removes as much of the paper taste as possible, helps the filter paper stick better, and preheats the jar at the same time.

STEP 3: HEAT THE CUPS

Also pour some hot water into the cups, unless you already have preheated cups.

STEP 4: GRINDING THE COFFEE

Grind the coffee as late as possible to minimize exposure to oxygen, as this can reduce the quality of the coffee. For example, grind the coffee when the water is almost ready to use. Use a medium coarse grind. Experiment with the grind size to determine which grind size gives the best results for the specific coffee you are using.

STEP 5: COFFEE INTO THE V60 FILTER

Add 20 grams of ground coffee to the V60 filter.

STEP 6: BLOOMING

Place the whole thing on the scale, set the scale to zero (tare) and start the timer as soon as you start pouring. Add 60 grams of water as quickly as possible and let it bloom for 45 seconds. By allowing the CO2 to escape from freshly roasted coffee, you prepare the coffee for better extraction, which optimally releases the flavors.

STEP 7: POUR

Pour another 60 grams of water and let it rest for another 45 seconds. Repeat this until you have added a total of 300 grams of water.

STEP 8: STIR

Stir the top part of the coffee three times with a spoon.

STEP 9: PREPARING THE V60 FILTER COFFEE

Stop pouring around 3 to 3:30 minutes, even if the water has not completely run through. Over-extraction can lead to a bitter taste, so it is wise to stop before this happens.

STEP 10: ENJOY YOUR COFFEE

Pour the coffee into your preheated cup and enjoy your homemade Hario V60 coffee. Enjoy it!

Tips for the beginner

If you're new to making your own coffee, it's important to master the basics. One of the first things you need to learn is how to find the perfect balance between the amount of coffee and water. This may vary depending on your personal taste.

It is also important to know how long you should let your coffee brew. For most filter coffees, a good starting point is 3 minutes. The processing time is influenced by the grinding degree of the coffee and the speed at which you pour the water over the coffee.

If the coffee flows too quickly, try grinding it a little finer. If the coffee flows too slowly, grind a little coarser until you reach the sweet spot.

And remember, patience is a virtue! It may take some time to find the perfect cup of coffee to suit your taste. Experiment with different types of coffee, grind sizes and brew times to find out what suits you best.

Finally, don't forget to have fun in the process! Making your own coffee is a great way to deepen your love for coffee and refine your palate. It's a journey of discovery, and every cup is a new opportunity to learn something new. So go for it, aspiring brewer, and enjoy every step of your journey to the perfect cup of coffee!

Keep the coffee fresh

Fresh coffee beans for filter coffee , how important is that? Fresh coffee beans form the basis for a delicious cup of filter coffee. The freshness of the beans has a major influence on the taste. Beans that have just been roasted contain the most intense and rich aromas. That's why it's so important to make sure they stay fresh.

Imagine opening a bag of fresh coffee beans. The scent that is released is irresistible and promises a delicious cup of coffee. But how can you maintain that freshness? First of all, it is important to store the beans in a dark, cool place. Light and heat can affect the quality of the beans, and you naturally want to prevent that.

Also read: How should you store freshly roasted coffee beans?

In addition, it is advisable not to grind the beans too early. Ground coffee loses its flavor more quickly, so it is best to grind the beans just before brewing. This ensures that the taste is preserved as optimally as possible. And while you're at it, invest in a good coffee grinder . The way the beans are ground can also affect the final taste of your cup of coffee.

Finally, don't forget to close the bag properly after use. Air can dry out the coffee beans and affect their flavor. Always store your fresh coffee beans in an airtight container.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, carefully selecting, storing and grinding fresh coffee beans can make a world of difference in the quality of your filter coffee. It may seem like a lot of effort for something mundane, but the result - a flavorful, fragrant and satisfying cup of coffee - is totally worth it.

Remember that fresh coffee beans are the key to an exceptional coffee experience, and every step, from storing them in a dark, cool place to grinding them just before brewing, helps maintain that freshness.

So the next time you open a bag of coffee beans, take a moment to appreciate the rich aromas and enjoy the promise of a fantastic coffee experience. Cheers to the perfect cup of coffee!