Making Coffee

It is important to state there is no established technique to make coffee, but we want to show you a few methods of how to extract the flavor of this amazing bean.  Buying whole bean Red Clover Coffee and grinding yourself is a great way to ensure your coffee tastes the best when you brew it.  Please use filtered water for each process, as this allows the best outcome.  Have fun making your coffee and enjoying it afterwards!

 

 

Auto-Drip

This process is one of the most popular ways to make coffee.  It offers convenience and a decent way to extract the bean flavor.  Our favorite is the OXO 9-Cup Coffee Maker.  While it is more a bit more expensive, the stainless steel filter allows proper extraction of the coffee beans oils, whereas a paper filter can hurt this process. After the brewing process is complete, removing the pot from the coffee maker is very important.  This prevents the coffee from continuing to “cook”.  We recommend an insulated container to keep your coffee hot.  Don’t forget to see our recipes section, where we show you how to use leftover coffee!

Instructions:

1. Medium grind your beans, with a burr grinder, for best results.
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 oz. (3/4 cups) of filtered water.
3. Get the coffee brewing!
4. Once the coffee is brewed, remove from the heating source.
5. Pour a cup and enjoy!

French Press

The French Press is a very popular way to brew a great cup of coffee.  Below is how we make ours.

Instructions:

1. Coarse grind your coffee bean, with a burr grinder, for best results.
2. Use 1 tablespoon of coarse ground coffee per 4 oz. (1/2 cup) of filtered water.
3. Boil some water to pour into your French Press (pre-heat it). Pour it out after about 15 seconds.
4. Boiled desired amount of water using 1 tbsp. to 4 oz. ratio.
5. After the water has come to a boil, remove from heat source, remove lid (if applicable), and let sit for 1-2 minutes.
6. Add coffee to French Press and pour water over the grounds, covering thoroughly.
7. Stir the entire mixture (top and bottom).
8. Place lid on French Press and allow to sit for no more than 4 minutes.
9. Remove lid and GENTLY stir top crust.
10. Remove froth from top of brew.
11. Replace lid on French Press and gently press down, being careful to not go to the bottom. We stay about ½ inch above the grounds on the bottom of the press.
12. Gently pour into a cup or into a thermal carafe (to stop the brewing process).

Aeropress

We have 2 ways to brew this way.  Try the upside down method for a different approach!  The Aeropress has been around for about 14 years (2005) and offers a quick and convenient way to make a cup of coffee. It’s popular with campers, military, and other professions that are not always privy to a power supply.  Here is the simple breakdown to this useful coffee maker.

Instructions: Right Side Up

1. Medium-fine grind your beans with a burr grinder for best results.
2. Boil water and remove from heating source for 2 mins (should be around 180 degrees F).
3. Wet the filter and place inside the cap.
4. Place Aeropress over cup.
5. Add water to line and gently stir.
6. Insert plunger and let sit (steep) for 1-4 minutes (depending on desired strength). If the time is too short, it will be weak.  If the time is too long, it will be bitter. It’s best to experiment with your favorite bean to find the best timing.
7. Press down firmly and enjoy!

Instructions:  Upside Down (a.k.a. Inverted)

1. Medium-fine grind your beans with a burr grinder for best results.
2. Boil water and remove from heating source for 2 mins (should be around 180 degrees F).
3. Place the plunger inside the chamber BUT do not push down.
4. Turns upside down and place the ground into the chamber.
5. Pour the water into the chamber and let sit for 1-4 minutes.
6. Wet filter and place into filter cap.
7. Quickly turn upside down and place filter cap into a mug.
8. Press down on the plunger slowly.
9. Enjoy the inverted method!