Chemex Coffee Recipe

Chemex is one of the oldest and most revered alternative coffee brewing methods, invented in 1941 by German chemist Peter Schlumbohm. Known for its distinct design and excellent coffee, Chemex is a staple in many coffee enthusiasts’ kitchens and cafes worldwide. This guide will walk you through the process of brewing coffee with a Chemex, ensuring you can enjoy a perfectly brewed cup every time.

Understanding Chemex

Chemex is a pour-over coffee brewing method where water passes through a coffee bed and a paper filter, resulting in a clean and flavorful cup. The Chemex consists of two main parts: the funnel and the carafe. The funnel holds the coffee and the filter, while the carafe collects the brewed coffee.

Key Features of Chemex

• Design: Elegant glass carafe with a wooden collar and leather tie.
• Filter: Thick paper filters that remove oils and sediment for a clean cup.
• Sizes: Available in various sizes, from small (300 ml) to large (800 ml).

Equipment and Ingredients

To brew coffee with a Chemex, you will need the following equipment and ingredients:

Equipment

• Chemex: Your preferred size.
• Chemex Filters: Specially designed thick paper filters.
• Grinder: Burr grinder for uniform coffee grounds.
• Scale: To measure coffee and water accurately.
• Kettle: Gooseneck kettle for controlled pouring.

Ingredients

• Coffee Beans: 60 grams (adjust based on Chemex size).
• Water: 1 liter (adjust based on Chemex size).

Step-by-Step Chemex Coffee Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chemex and Filter: Fold the Chemex filter and place it in the Chemex, ensuring the triple layer is against the spout to maintain proper ventilation. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.
2. Weigh and Grind the Coffee: Weigh 60 grams of coffee beans. Grind them to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt.
3. Bloom the Coffee: Add the ground coffee to the filter. Start by pouring 50 grams of hot water (around 200°F or 93°C) over the grounds, ensuring all are saturated. Let it bloom for 30-45 seconds to release carbon dioxide.
4. Begin Pouring: After the bloom, start pouring water in a circular motion, beginning from the center and moving outward. Pour 100 grams of water at a time, allowing the water level to drop slightly before adding more. Repeat this process until you’ve added a total of 1 liter of water.
5. Stir the Coffee: Gently stir the coffee to ensure even extraction. This helps prevent any dry pockets in the coffee bed.
6. Complete the Brew: The brewing process should take about 4-5 minutes. If it takes longer, consider adjusting your grind size finer. If it’s too quick, try a coarser grind.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once brewing is complete, remove the filter and discard the grounds. Swirl the Chemex to mix the coffee before serving.

Important Tips

• Filter Placement: Ensure the thick triple layer of the filter is against the spout to prevent airflow blockage.
• Pouring Technique: Pour water slowly and evenly to avoid disturbing the coffee bed too much.
• Consistent Temperature: Use water around 200°F (93°C) for optimal extraction.

Enhancing Your Chemex Coffee

Here are some ideas to elevate your Chemex coffee experience:

• Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to find your preferred strength.
• Use Fresh Beans: Freshly roasted beans make a significant difference in flavor.
• Try Different Roasts: Experiment with various coffee roasts and origins to discover new flavors.

Detailed Steps for Chemex Preparation

Preparing the Chemex and Filter

1. Fold the Chemex filter and place it in the Chemex.
2. Ensure the triple layer is against the spout.
3. Rinse the filter with hot water and discard the rinse water.

Weighing and Grinding Coffee

1. Weigh 60 grams of coffee beans.
2. Grind to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt.

Blooming the Coffee

1. Add ground coffee to the filter.
2. Pour 50 grams of hot water over the grounds.
3. Let it bloom for 30-45 seconds.

Pouring Water

1. Start pouring water in a circular motion.
2. Pour 100 grams at a time, up to a total of 1 liter.
3. Allow water level to drop slightly between pours.

Stirring and Completing the Brew

1. Gently stir the coffee bed.
2. Brew for 4-5 minutes.
3. Remove the filter and discard grounds.
4. Swirl the Chemex and serve.