I love the process of making coffee in the morning. There’s something so satisfying about measuring out the perfect amount of coffee and pouring boiling water over the grounds. One of my favorite methods of brewing is the pour-over technique. It allows me to have control over every aspect of the brewing process and ensures a delicious cup of coffee every time.
If you’re new to pour-over brewing or are looking to refine your technique, you may be wondering how many grams of coffee to use per cup. This is an important question because using too little coffee will result in a weak and flavorless brew, while using too much can lead to a bitter and overpowering cup. Finding the perfect ratio of coffee to water is key to achieving a balanced and flavorful cup of coffee.
Finding the Right Ratio
The ideal coffee to water ratio for pour-over brewing is often debated among coffee enthusiasts. It can vary depending on personal preference, the type of coffee beans used, and even the size of your coffee filter. However, a good starting point is to use a ratio of 1:16. This means using 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water.
Measuring Your Coffee
To measure your coffee accurately, you will need a scale. Eyeballing the amount of coffee may lead to inconsistent results, so investing in a scale is well worth it. Place your empty coffee filter on the scale and set it to zero. Then, add your desired amount of coffee, keeping the 1:16 ratio in mind. For example, if you want to brew a 12-ounce cup of coffee, you will need roughly 18 grams of coffee grounds.
Grinding Your Coffee
The grind size of your coffee is another crucial factor in achieving the perfect pour-over brew. A coarse grind will result in under-extraction, while a fine grind can lead to over-extraction. For pour-over brewing, you’ll want a medium grind, similar to that of sand. This allows for the optimal extraction of flavors from the coffee grounds without over or under-extracting.
Water Temperature Matters
Not only is the coffee to water ratio important, but the temperature of the water also plays a significant role in the flavor extraction. The ideal water temperature for pour-over brewing is between 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit (90 to 96 degrees Celsius). This temperature range allows for proper extraction without scorching the coffee or leaving it under-extracted.
Brewing Process
Now that you have your measured and ground coffee ready, it’s time to start the brewing process. Begin by boiling water and letting it cool for about 30 seconds after reaching the desired temperature. Next, pre-wet your coffee filter to remove any paper taste and preheat your coffee mug or carafe.
Place your coffee grounds in the pre-wet filter and gently shake them to level the bed of grounds. Start pouring hot water over the coffee grounds in a slow circular motion, starting from the center and moving outwards. Be mindful of the water flow rate, aiming for a slow and steady pour. This helps to evenly saturate the grounds and ensure proper extraction.
Continue pouring water in a circular motion, making sure to wet all the coffee grounds. Allow the coffee to drip through the filter and into your mug or carafe. The entire process usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes, but play around with the brewing time to find your preferred strength and flavor profile.
Experiment and Fine-Tune
The key to finding your perfect cup of pour-over coffee is experimentation. Don’t be afraid to adjust the coffee to water ratio or try different grind sizes. Each coffee will have its own unique characteristics, and personal preference can vary greatly. By keeping track of your measurements and brewing methods, you can fine-tune your process and achieve an exceptional cup of pour-over coffee every time.
In conclusion, the ideal ratio of coffee to water for pour-over brewing is 1:16, but this can be adjusted to fit personal preference. Measuring your coffee grounds accurately using a scale and using a medium grind size will contribute to a well-extracted and flavorful cup. Pay attention to the water temperature and the brewing process, ensuring a slow and steady pour for optimal extraction. Ultimately, finding the perfect cup of pour-over coffee requires practice, experimentation, and a little bit of patience.