How To Bloom Coffee
Does your coffee have a sour, unpleasant flavour? It may be because you haven’t bloomed your coffee. Allowing your coffee to bloom can significantly improve your coffee's taste and can make all the difference between a mediocre cup of coffee and an exceptional one.
Continue reading to find out more about what it means to let your coffee bloom, how to bloom coffee, and what it means if your coffee doesn’t bloom at all.
What is a Coffee Bloom?
Freshly roasted coffee contains carbon dioxide, which can make your coffee taste sour if not released. When your coffee blooms, the hot water releases carbon dioxide and causes the mixture to bubble up. As a result of the CO2 escaping, water is forced away from the beans and is unable to savor the flavourful molecules in the grinds before entering your cup.
Letting coffee bloom enhances the flavour and brings out all the enticing notes you crave.
How To Bloom Coffee
Coffee blooming is incredibly easy to do and anyone can do it. Any brewing technique, including the traditional drip machine and the pour-over method, can cause coffee to bloom. All you have to do is simply pour hot water – not boiling water – over your coffee grounds in a circular motion, starting in the center and moving outward.
Do not completely submerge the coffee; only enough water should be added to evenly soak them. When the coffee and water have had a chance to interact for about 30 to 40 seconds, bubbles will start to appear. Now, your coffee is beginning to bloom!
H2: What if my Coffee Doesn’t Bloom?
Pre-ground coffee has a higher chance of oxidation, which may prevent your coffee from blooming. By doing the following, you can lessen your chances of coffee not blooming:
- Invest in fresh, high quality coffee beans.
- Keep the beans in an airtight bag or container with a one-way valve to preserve the CO2 and keep them fresh for longer.
- Right before brewing, grind your coffee beans.
Having a coffee bloom is just one of many ways to judge the freshness and superiority of your beans, but it's important to remember that just because your coffee doesn’t bloom, doesn't always mean you'll get a poor cup of coffee.
Although the coffee bloom is not necessary, it is an important step in making sure that your coffee turns out flavourful and delicious. So, the next time you want to let your coffee bloom, be sure to let it bloom for at least 30 seconds for the best results. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
