Want to know about immersion coffee brewing? You've come to the right place.
We'll tell you what immersion coffee is and what types are there.
Let's get started.
What Is Immersion Coffee?
Immersion coffee is any coffee brewed by one of the immersion methods. Immersion brewing is, as its name suggests, the immersion of ground beans in water to infuse.
While the coffee is immersed, the water will extract soluble substances from it.
This is the oldest, most fundamental form of coffee brewing. The brewing time is not limited, but it can also be ended at any time.
The process is simple, but there is a fine line between "too much" and "not enough."
If you finish brewing too early, your coffee will taste weak. And if you finish brewing too late, your coffee will be very bitter.
Related: Why Does Coffee Taste Bitter?
Immersion Coffee Brewing Methods
Immersion coffee brewing methods are often, but not always, named for the coffee brewers they use. Here are some of the methods:
Simply brewing ground coffee in a mug is also a type of immersion brewing.
Coffee prepared this way requires filtration.
French press and cold brew coffee makers have a metal filter.
An AeroPress uses a paper filter, which retains oils better so the drink has a brighter taste.
Let's take a closer look at each of these coffee brewing methods.
AeroPress
The AeroPress is one of the newest ways to brew coffee. It can be used in a variety of ways and to make a variety of coffee recipes.
AeroPress coffee has a full body and a bright, clean taste.
You can use any grind size with this method. Each one will give your drink a unique taste.
Granted, there are guidelines for grind size, but these are best practices rather than clear rules.
More information can be found on our AeroPress Instructions page.
French press
When preparing your drink this way, make sure you select the correct grind size—use only a coarse grind. Using the wrong grind size is the most common mistake when brewing in a French press.
Grinding your coffee beans too fine will make the coffee too strong and bitter.
When using a French press, it'll take about 10 minutes from the time the water boils until the coffee is fully brewed.
French press coffee is soft and aromatic.
But there will be some grounds left at the bottom of the drink, so don't drink the last drops.
Cold brew
To make cold brew, mix coarse-ground coffee with cold water, place the mix in the refrigerator, and allow it to infuse for 8 to 24 hours.
Once the coffee is ready, you will be rewarded for your patience with a unique, intense coffee that has no bitterness or acidity and boasts a mild finish.
You will be able to taste all the shades of the coffee bean variety you used.
An important advantage of cold brew is its shelf life. It can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Turkish coffee
Making Turkish coffee in a cezve seems straightforward, but as with many brewing methods, certain skills are required.
When using this brewing method, you get coffee with a strong, unique taste. It is fragrant, tart, and dense.
You can prepare a cup of coffee pretty quickly—in 3 to 4 minutes.
When brewing in a cezve, use finely ground coffee. It should be almost like a powder.
If you like strong black coffee, then Turkish coffee is for you.
Brewing in a cup
When you have nothing at hand except ground coffee, a cup, and a kettle, don't worry—you can still make coffee.
When professionals do coffee tasting—also known as coffee cupping—they brew in the cup.
This method isn't demanding: you don't need special equipment or special skills.
Just pour ground coffee into a cup, add hot water, and leave the mix to brew for a few minutes. You can cover the cup with a lid for a better effect.
As soon as the coffee grounds settle, you can drink the coffee.
Medium-ground coffee is best for this brewing method.
Don't use too fine a grind; otherwise, you'll have a bunch of sediment in your drink.
Which Immersion Brewing Method to Choose
None of the methods are better or worse, right or wrong.
The value of each brewing method lies in the variety of flavor options that can be obtained, and in the opportunity you have to understand the multifaceted nature of coffee.
Try different methods and you'll find the best one for you.
If you want to learn more about brewing methods, read our How To Make Coffee guide.
