Consistently Great Batch Brew Coffee at Home

The Batch Brew method is a popular technique used in many coffee houses to make filter coffee efficiently, especially during high demand. It involves commercial brewing equipment, and today, we will explore how to prepare coffee using this method and the best practices for using a thermos to store the coffee.

Equipment Used in Batch Brewing

Batch brewing can be done with two main types of equipment:

1. Glass Carafe (Jug): Often seen in smaller settings, but not preferred for keeping coffee for extended periods due to exposure to oxygen which can cause oxidation and cooling.
2. Commercial Grade Thermal Carafes: Preferred in busier settings because they can keep the coffee hot without the need for a hot plate which can alter the flavor of the coffee over time.

Choosing the Right Carafe

• Glass Carafe: Prone to oxidation and cooling. Coffee stored in a glass carafe should not be kept on a hot plate for long to avoid altering its taste.
• Thermal Carafe (Thermos): Better at maintaining temperature and coffee quality over time. Glass liners are preferred over metal as metal can introduce a metallic taste to the coffee.

The Batch Brew Recipe

The globally recognized standard ratio for batch brewing is between 55 to 60 grams of coffee per liter of water. This can be adjusted based on personal preference for strength and flavor. For instance, in a training centre scenario, a recipe might call for 90 grams of coffee for 1.5 liters of water, which results in approximately 1.5 liters of brewed coffee considering the water retention by the coffee grounds.

Key Considerations:

• Grind Size: The coffee should be ground coarsely, akin to coarse sea salt.
• Water Absorption: Coffee grounds absorb and retain twice their weight in water. This retention should be accounted for when setting up the brewing equipment.

Brewing Process

1. Prepare the Filter: Wet the paper filter thoroughly to remove any paper residue and to ensure it doesn’t absorb the brewing water. This helps achieve an even extraction.
2. Distribute Coffee Evenly: When adding coffee to the filter, ensure it is spread evenly to avoid uneven extraction.
3. Brewing Time and Technique: Depending on the machine, brewing can take approximately five minutes and eleven seconds for 1.5 liters, which is a typical setting used in some training scenarios.

Using and Maintaining the Thermos

• Operation: The thermos works on a simple principle where pressing the pump creates air pressure that forces the coffee out. This can lead to varying concentrations of coffee compounds like minerals and sugars at different levels of the thermos due to their differing densities.
• Consistency: Before serving, it is recommended to stir the contents of the thermos to ensure uniform flavor and concentration in each serving.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of the Batch Brew method and proper maintenance of the thermos can significantly affect the quality and consistency of the coffee served. By adhering to these guidelines, coffee shops can ensure that their customers enjoy the best possible taste and experience from their filter coffee.