"No suitor comes in my house unless he has promised to me himself and has it also inserted into the marriage contract that I shall be permitted to brew coffee whenever I want" — Johann Sebastian Bach, Coffee Cantata
Like millions of people around the globe, coffee is a non-negotiable part of my day. Either as a cup to start my morning, a cappuccino before noon, a mid-day break or after dinner expresso. Science and health experts including the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine seem to agree that the popularity of coffee is as strong and universal as ever and that the right amount of coffee can be good for you. So don’t sabotage the benefits of a good cup of coffee with a bad filter.
Coffee filters are a key component in the brewing process highlighting the different elements of a coffee’s character. There are debatable reasons for whether metal or paper filters are best and whether one is better than another because paper and metal filters affect coffee extraction and flavor differently. It's been said that brewing coffee with a metal vs a paper filter is almost like having two different coffees in the same bag.
Paper filters absorb some of the oils present in coffee during extraction and coffee oils are what gives coffee beans their distinctive flavor and aroma. Metal filters allow the oils to pass through for a fuller bodied cup of coffee. Paper filters are tightly woven and absorbent, trapping most of the coffee oils and sediment. Filters with finer pores (holes in the filter) tend to brew a lighter, cleaner and brighter cup of coffee. Metal mesh filters have larger pores than tightly woven paper. This allows coffee oils and some finer grounds to filter through for a fuller, richer flavor and aroma. Most coffee aficionados agree that when it comes to the element of taste, the findings are somewhat mixed and highly dependent on personal preferences, convenience and cost.
Metal filters and paper filters are both practical choices but for a truly refined brew cloth is the filter of choice. Although brewing pour-over or drip coffee using a cloth filter is less practical because of the clean up the result is a more balanced cup of coffee, brighter and lighter with some, but not all oils for a fuller flavor and aroma.
The importance of a good coffee filter can effect the quality of your cup but that's just the beginning. The soil, location, climate, cultivation and harvesting methods of the beans are also important for producing good coffee. The grind, roasting and packaging preserve and contribute to the character and freshness of the coffee bean. So look to artisan producers for your best source of quality coffee and remember that proper brewing produces a cup of coffee at its very best.
Time to open the bag, grind. . . filter, brew and enjoy. Our spring coffee selection will be here soon. A fulll and well-balanced classic Italian coffee (10 out of 10) , perfect for a latte, cappuccino, flat white or lungo. Roasted over wood, you will certainly be thrilled when you taste it.
Our unique collection of contemporary ceramic mugs are perfect for everyday use and make an ideal gift for coffee lovers, Italophiles, anyone learning to speak Italian or those who enjoy quirky mugs! Mugs are imprinted with life quotes, inspirational phrases and amusing sayings about the culture of coffee as an essential part of life. Personalize your home or workspace with a touch of Italia!
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