When it comes to Italian coffee, beverages crafted from the espresso machine and contraptions like the moka and the Neapolitan flip coffee pot usually spring to mind. Around the world, many kickstart their day with a mugful of filtered joe — but not in the land of caffè where a two-ounce espresso is the norm. Yet life is too short to drink just espresso, and while it might be the Italian coffee of choice, it doesn’t mean it’s the only way to enjoy an Italian blend. Filtered methods prolong that particular and pleasurable Italian flair, letting you savor your morning pick-me-up, rather than polishing it off in a sip or two.
Lavazza, a stalwart on the Italian coffee scene since 1895, offers a variety of beans and blends to suit every type of java preference. Its coffee selection features plenty of untouched, intense coffee blends as well as delightful mixtures that combine exquisitely with milk. We asked Giancarlo De Marinis, Lavazza’s New-York-based trainer, to share some tips for how to prepare perfect filtered coffee at home.
Brewing methods for coffee connoisseurs
There are several methods for making filtered coffee at home, the pour-over being one of the most fascinating. The technique entails exactly what its name implies: pouring hot water over ground coffee. If you want to take your filtered coffee preparation up a notch, then invest in a Chemex. A device as fetching as it is practical, the hourglass-shaped flask has earned a place in MoMA’s permanent collection — if that’s not good enough reason to prominently display one in your home kitchen, we don’t know what is.
It’s all about the grounds
When it comes to selecting coffee, medium roast grounds tend to produce the best results, but it all depends on the consumer’s preference. Two surefire blends for an optimal cup are Lavazza’s Perfetto, a dark roast with persistent caramel notes, and Classico, a medium roast blend sourced from South America and Africa. If you prefer something more delicate, Lavazza’s Gran Aroma is a 100% Arabica blend from South America, delivering a fruity light taste.
Set your alarm
For the Chemex, the coffee should sit for 3 to 5 minutes while 3 to 4 minutes is the ideal time for the pour-over. Also, be mindful of the water temperature — if it’s too hot, the coffee will be too strong and if it’s too cold, the coffee will be too weak.
The right appliances
Paper filters as opposed to metal or cloth, are ideal. Also, instead of using water straight from the tap, filtered or bottled is a better option — this ensures that the water won’t be too mineral-rich, which would have an undesired effect on the flavor.
Common errors people make at home
Again, not paying close attention to the timing. Also, consider the balance between coffee and water. Another common mistake is pouring the water too slowly or too quickly — it should be poured in a steady and unhurried manner.