How Do I Bloom Coffee?

     Anyone can bloom coffee right at home. Why would you want to bother blooming your ground coffee? Well once you do it, it will be hard not to go back!  The taste is like no other, however, the intensity of the taste and aroma is in the "freshness" of your beans.  

How to craft a smooth, non bitter, full-bodied coffee instead of a bitter or murky cup of JOE is first knowing  how the process works which is called the coffee "bloom". 

What makes coffee bloom?

Aww....Yes, How?
   When green coffee beans are roasted,  during the the intense roasting process carbon dioxide is released and the bean's aroma and taste get trapped. After the roasting, the gases begin to release, however, not until the beans are bloomed  can that flavor and aroma be unlocked. This process is referred to as degassing.
   The next key blooming process  occurs when hot water touches the freshly ground coffee. This will unlock the intense aroma and taste of the beans. Although it is a simple process, this is the point where most coffee enthusiasts pay particular attention. 

What can I use to bloom my coffee?

If you      When I first learned about blooming, I only had a coffee maker, measuring cup,, thermometer and microwave. (Don't cringe!) I was so eager to try it,  I went home, poured 2 ounces of water in a glass measuring cup, heated for 2 minutes, took the temperature -set at 200,  got  MY fresh beans and went at it with my coffee maker!
    For the fear I may loose some readers,  I now have a goose-neck variable temp. kettle (which I love)! Makes a great gift!
    You can  bloom your coffee using a variety of methods: drip, pour over, Aero Press or French Press and others. It really is just preference. ​I use drip and pour-over more often. There are a few tools that come in handy; a thermometer, measuring cup, a timer and for those die-hard Bloomers, a scale and kettle.  
   Again, this is actually SIMPLE. Takes a little time but worth it.  
 

Blooming Basics 101 - Pour Over Method, French Press, Drip

    There are many techniques as many coffee aficionados will tell you, however, but we've  outlined a few basic techniques.  Just to note: when I am use the drip or pour over method in the mornings. I keep closely to the same routine. (Manageable in the mornings) 

• NOTE: When using  a drip coffee maker,  remove carafe from the coffee maker if you have a "pause and Serve" feature so it wont pour through to the carafe while blooming
• Heat water between 200- 205 degrees  (I heat mine to 205 and then wait for about a few seconds before I pour over my grounds.   Temperature is important not to burn coffee, however your heating methods may vary.
• Pour over brewers DO NOT have to be expensive. Some people prefer porcelain over plastic. If you just getting started use a Melitta Pour Over Brewer, it costs approx, $2.99 which I use for this demonstration.
• Rinse coffee filter with water to rid of paper residue. I prefer Melitta natural filters. ​​

• Place ground coffee in filter (2 tbsp for every 6 oz, water - a little more if you prefer stronger)

• Pour water in a circular motion 1.5 - 2.5 OZ  (40-80 grams) of hot water over ground -just enough to soak the grounds without pouring through.  Immediately, you should  notice the  grounds begin to swell - a dome-shape can appear. Wait 45 seconds.
• French Press - Let the bloom remain for 15-20 seconds, then stir it with your spoon. This is to ensure that all grinds in the bloom have complete contact with the water.

•  Continue to pour-over in circular motion - clockwise then counter clockwise inside out motions.  (not a science just evenly spreads water). Wait for remaining time 2-3 minutes.
• ​How fast or slow you pour will determine the strength of your cup of coffee.

• French Press- Complete your normal French press brew regime, which normally involves 3-4 minutes of steeping time.
• Drip Method - Wait for about 90 seconds then place carafe in coffee maker operate coffee maker as usual. 

 No matter your brewing technique, with fresh roasted and ground coffee, I guarantee that you will notice a better taste in your cup if you follow a simple coffee blooming technique.
Don't be afraid! Experiment with soak times and other techniques that works best for YOU because is Coffee is an adventure! 
Have a question? Comment here or email us?
Time to drink an awesome cup of Joe.... or Jill! 
Share Your Bloom!

Fresh Roasted Beans VS. Ground Coffee
-Does It Really Matter?

   When yo use  fresh roasted beans, the coffee retains carbon dioxide.  An intact coffee bean, expel gas less gradually. As soon as the beans are ground, the degassing happens at a more rapid rate which means the coffee will also start loosing its taste, texture and aroma quicker.
 This is why most coffee enthusiasts prefer to grind their beans just before they brew to provide for a better cup of coffee.  Try our fresh roasts.