This tradition has evolved, leading to the spread of American coffee machines, which use filters to extract aroma and delicacy from coffee blends. Today, American coffee represents a valid alternative to espresso, offering a unique taste experience that enhances the quality of the beans and the precision in preparation.
The percolation process involves filtering hot water through a filter containing ground coffee, similar to the technique used for infusing tea: this method allows for the delicate extraction of complex and multifaceted aromas, creating a drink with a rich but less concentrated taste.
The result is a coffee that is less bitter and less strong than espresso, but still aromatic and pleasant to drink: ideal for those who want to enjoy a cup of coffee while prolonging the pleasure of tasting it, American coffee is suitable for consumption in larger quantities without being excessively stimulating.
The process begins with the addition of ground coffee to a special filter, usually made of paper or metal and, subsequently, cold water is poured into the machine's tank, which heats the water until it reaches the ideal temperature for extraction.
Once heated, the water is slowly passed through the filter containing the ground coffee: the percolation process allows the water to gradually extract the oils, aromas and volatile substances present in the coffee beans, transferring them into the final drink and the result is a coffee characterized by a notable aromatic complexity, but with a concentration of caffeine and a more moderate intensity of flavour than espresso.
Drip coffee makers are designed to be easy to use and often offer additional features, such as keeping the coffee warm for several hours. This ability to keep the coffee at the ideal temperature without compromising its flavor makes drip coffee makers a popular choice for offices and homes, where the ability to enjoy a cup of coffee at any time of day is appreciated.
Recommended amounts of coffee powder can vary slightly depending on the machine used and individual preferences, but a generally accepted guideline suggests using around 7-8 grams of ground coffee for every 200 milliliters of water.
This balance ensures proper extraction of flavors, resulting in a well-balanced drink.
It is important to consult the specific instructions provided by the coffee machine manufacturer, as different models may have slightly different requirements for optimal performance. With experience, you can make small adjustments to the amount of coffee used, adapting it to your preferences in terms of strength and flavor.
The consistency of the coffee grind also plays a fundamental role: a medium grind is considered ideal for filtered coffee, as it allows for perfect extraction during the percolation process. A grind that is too fine could make the drink bitter, while a grind that is too coarse could result in a coffee with a weak flavor.
To obtain a drink with a balanced and aromatic taste, it is advisable to opt for light blends, mainly composed of 100% Arabica beans, giving the drink a more rounded and delicate profile.
In addition to the composition, the freshness of the beans is a determining factor: it is preferable to grind the coffee immediately before preparation, in order to preserve its aromas and unique properties.
A medium grind is ideal for filtered coffee, allowing for correct extraction during the percolation process; too finely ground beans can make the coffee excessively bitter, while too coarsely ground can result in a weak and unsatisfying flavor.
Choosing a good blend, combined with an adequate grind, guarantees an aromatic and pleasant-to-taste American coffee: experimenting with different origins and roasts can also enrich the sensory experience, allowing you to appreciate the nuances of flavor offered by different types of coffee.
My coffee machine has a reusable filter.
