In the relentless hustle of our daily lives, where every minute seems to count, a trend is emerging that encourages us to slow down and savour each moment: slow coffee. It’s more than just a brewing method—it’s a philosophy that reinvents the art of coffee tasting. But what exactly does it entail? Let’s find out!
The Principles of Slow Coffee
Slow coffee, a blend of social consciousness and ecological sensibility, encourages us to take our time and brew coffee the traditional way, truly enjoying each sip. With slow coffee, the focus isn’t only on the technique but also on dedicating time and attention to each step, from choosing the coffee beans to grinding them, from brewing to savouring.
Slowing down helps us discover complex aromas and richer flavours through gentle extraction methods. This back-to-basics approach doesn’t just enhance our appreciation of coffee’s richness; it transforms our coffee drinking into an almost meditative act.
For Canadian coffee enthusiasts, adopting slow coffee allows them to reconnect with tradition and enjoy a much-needed moment of tranquility during their busy days.
What You Need for the Perfect Brew
When you dive into the art of slow coffee, it’s crucial to know that every detail affects the quality of your cup. Here are some useful tips to refine your technique and enhance your tasting experience.
Quality Coffee Beans
It all begins with the beans. Selecting high-quality beans is crucial; you want to find those that will unfold rich and nuanced flavours when brewed slowly.
Opt for organic and fair-trade coffee, not only for its positive impact on the environment and producing communities but also for its authenticity, which allows you to enjoy every taste nuance unaltered.
The Special Edition: Sailboat Coffee
Seeking something truly extraordinary? Discover our limited edition Colombian ANEI, an organically grown and fair-trade coffee boasting deep roasted flavours and cocoa nuances. It arrives fresh via a cargo sailboat and is roasted with the world’s first industrial electric coffee roaster. This unique tasting experience is perfect for eco-conscious coffee enthusiasts.
Freshly Ground Coffee
Once you’ve selected the perfect coffee, the next step is grinding. The size of the grind is crucial and should be tailored to your preferred brewing method. Getting the grind wrong, either too fine or too coarse, can significantly affect the extraction of flavours and aromas.
Investing in a quality grinder will allow you to adjust the grind size precisely for your brewing method. For more tips on selecting the ideal grind for your equipment, check out our article on choosing the right coffee grind. If you don’t have a grinder, pre-ground coffee is a great alternative!
Selecting the Ideal Coffee Maker for Your Needs
CHEMEX Coffee Maker
Preparation Guide: The CHEMEX stands out with its sleek design and its ability to brew a smooth coffee. Start by heating water to 80-90°C (175-195°F). Use 10 to 12 grams of coffee per cup, ground to a medium consistency, similar to coarse salt. Insert a CHEMEX paper filter or a reusable metal filter, rinse it with some hot water, then discard this water. Place the ground coffee in the filter and begin by pouring a little water over the coffee to pre-infuse for about a minute. Continue pouring the rest of the water in a spiral pattern to ensure an even extraction.
In Your Cup: Experience a smooth and rich brew that elegantly brings out the delicate aromas with just a hint of bitterness - ideal for connoisseurs who cherish subtle coffee nuances.
Aeropress - Portable Coffee Maker
Preparation Guide: The Aeropress is renowned for its quick extraction capability while allowing for flavour adjustments. Place a microfilter in the Aeropress holder, add finely ground coffee. With water at 80-90°C (175-195°F), begin the pre-infusion by pouring a little water over the coffee, wait a few seconds, then complete with the rest of the water. Use the plunger to gently press the coffee through the filter.
In Your Cup: Discover a deep and intricate coffee akin to espresso, where the richness unfolds through adjustable brewing times and temperatures, revealing a spectrum of tasteful nuances.
Manual Coffee Maker
Preparation Guide: The manual coffee maker is valued for its simplicity and the direct control it offers over the brewing process. Begin by heating water to about 93°C (200°F). Place a paper filter in the cone and rinse it with hot water. Add finely ground coffee, similar to table salt consistency. Use about 10 to 12 grams of coffee for every 180 ml (6 oz) of water. Place the ground coffee in the filter and pour a small amount of hot water over it, just enough to saturate the grounds. Allow the coffee to pre-infuse for approximately 30 seconds. After pre-infusion, begin pouring the rest of the water in a spiral pattern from the centre outward. The total brewing time should be about 2 to 3 minutes.
In Your Cup: Savour a vibrant coffee that shines with pronounced acidity and distinct flavours, each sip highlighting the complex symphony of the coffee’s aromas.
