A new brewing method with a huge fan base : getting to know Aeropress.

Anyone watching the trends in the coffee sector is likely to have heard about a new device and a new method of brewing coffee that is constantly gaining ground: Aeropress.

There are ways to brew coffee that root back in the past, such as Greek coffee, new methods that use old knowledge and are constantly gaining popularity, such as Cold Brew, established extraction methods that require machines such as espresso and dozens of other ways that puzzle and divide coffee lovers around the world. A method of brewing coffee, which, although extremely recent, conquers an increasing number of people because of its ease and excellent effect is Aeropress.

What is Aeropress ;

The Aeropress device does not count more than fifteen years of life, as it was invented by Alan Adler in 2005. Aeropress offers an extremely short extraction time (about 90 seconds) and highlights coffee’s aromas, achieving lower acidity, stronger body and concentration compared to this of espresso, although the results resembles the one produced by a filter coffee machine. The handling of Aeropress is particularly simple and the device is easy to clean and maintain due to its detachable parts. Aeropress devices are especially economic and easy to use, as they appeal to both professional and amateur coffee enthusiasts and do not require much experience or money investing. Equally cost-effective are Aeropress consumables, limited only to paper filters

How is Aeropress structured ?

Aeropress resembles a large syringe, consisting of three plastic parts: the chamber, the cap and the plunger. To use Aeropress, first a paper or metal filter is placed on the cap, and then put in the chamber. The cylindrical plunger is smaller than the chamber and designed to fit within it. Before the extraction begins, the chamber is placed in a jug or a cup in order to concentrate the extracted coffee.

How does Aeropress work ?

In order to start the brewing, ground coffee is placed on the filter and warm water is added to the appliance. After one minute, the piston is placed in the chamber and the coffee is extracted under pressure - it only takes thirty seconds for the extracted coffee to flow in the cup. The secret of Aeropress, as its name suggests, is the intermediate air trapped in the device, which allows the water to penetrate the coffee under pressure. Thus, coffee that is extracted with Aeropress has stronger aromas than conventional filter coffee machines, electric or manual, lower acidity, less bitterness and intense body. Due to its nature, Aeropress is extremely versatile, as it can produce a very tasty cups with many different coffee blends, and even if its operator does not have lots of experience.

Tips for better brewing using Aeropress 

• The coffee grinding plays an important role. Although it is usually recommended to grind the coffee beans finer than conventional filter coffee machines, but thicker than espresso grinding, other suggest different grinding degrees. The best solution is obtaining a  coffee grinder and experiment with it.
• The same applies to the water temperature, which is directly related to grinding. The water should be hot in order to extract the coffee, but not at a temperature that will "burn" it, softening its aromas - many claim that 80^oC is the ideal one. Coarse grinding requires water at higher temperatures and vice versa. As different temperature-gringing combinations produce different results, one should make its experiments in this case also.
• Many recommend that blends with medium roasting are more suitable for Aeropress brewing, but this is a matter of taste - any coffee bend can be extracted in Aeropress with very good results.
• If you want your Aeropress coffee to look a little more like espresso, you can squeeze the coffee when you put it in the cylinder, just like the way the barista presses coffee with the tamper before preparing an espresso.
• Do not push the plunger down, but stop it at grading line, otherwise the coffee will start to bite and lose in aroma.
• The continued engagement of professional and amateur baristi with Aeropress has created variants of the extraction process, such as the “Inverted” Aeropress. The simplicity of the device probably encourages creativity - Aeropress Championships have also been held!