BREWING COFFEE WITH COTTON
What Makes Cloth Coffee Filters So Special?
Cloth filters, often overlooked in the modern coffee brewing landscape, are making a remarkable comeback, thanks to their unique ability to balance clarity and body in the the final cup. Unlike paper filters, cloth filters are woven from natural fibres, typically cotton, allowing them to retain some of the coffee oils and fine sediments. This creates a unique cup that is more full-bodied, has a creamier texture and a highlights different flavours compared to coffee filtered by paper.
How Does Cloth Filter Taste?
There are a bunch of key factors involved to answer this, in short, Cloth has larger holes in comparison to paper filters. This allows for more oils and more fines to pass through and results in a unque flavour profile.
As well as this, Aji cloth Filters are also faster flowing compared to paper filters, this adds another aspect to your coffee as now you can grind your coffee finer and have the same water-coffee contact time, all resulting in a higher extraction.
Differences Between Paper Filters and Cloth Filters
The key difference between paper and cloth filters lies in their porosity and material. Paper filters, being denser, tend to trap more oils and fines, resulting in a cleaner, lighter-bodied cup with pronounced acidity. Cloth filters, in contrast, allow more oils and micro-fines to pass through, contributing to a richer mouthfeel and a more nuanced flavour profile. Cloth filters also have the advantage of being reusable, making them a more eco-friendly option.
Tips for Using Cotton Filters
To get the best out of your cotton coffee filter, here are some tips:
Pre-boil the filter: Before first use, Boil your Aji Filter for 10 minutes to remove any naturally occurring starches and to shrink the cotton to the correct size.
Use the right grind: A medium to medium-fine grind works best with cloth filters, grinding finer also helps to get you a higher extraction and an overall stronger tasting cup of coffee.
Clean after use: Rinse the filter with water immediately after brewing to remove any remaining coffee grounds and oils.
Store properly: Unique to cloth filters, is the practice of storing them in water when not in use. This prevents mildew and mould growth and maintains the filter’s integrity. Simply keep the filter submerged in a clean, airtight container filled with water in your refrigerator for best results.
Basic Recipe to Make Pour Over Coffee
Heat your water to around 95°C.
Place your cloth filter in the pour-over brewer and rinse it with hot water.
Add coffee grounds (around 20g for a 300ml brew) to the filter.
Start your pour with a 30-second bloom, slowly adding water in a spiral motion.
Continue pouring in 5 stages of 50 grams, maintaining a steady flow until you reach your desired volume.
Allow the coffee to drip through, then remove the filter and enjoy your brew.
Other Reusable Coffee Filter Options
Apart from cloth filters, other reusable options include metal and glass filters. Metal filters, often made of stainless steel, offer high durability and retain much of the coffee’s body and oils. Glass filters, while less common, provide a neutral taste and are easy to clean.
Why Cloth is the Best Way to Brew Pour Over Coffee
Cloth filters stand out as the best option for pour-over coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a brew with a full body and rich flavours. The cloth’s ability to permit some oils and fine grounds to pass through results in a complex and satisfying cup. Additionally, the sustainable nature of cloth filters, with their reusability and minimal environmental impact, makes them a favourite among eco-conscious coffee lovers. We put a lot of love into sourcing our cotton ethically and are proud to be supporting the community in Bihar, India who grew and hand-loom the cotton we use for our Aji Filters.
By embracing the traditional methods of brewing with a modern twist, cloth filters offer a unique and rewarding coffee experience. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a home-brewing enthusiast, the charm of brewing with cotton is sure to enhance your coffee ritual.