The Art of Café Chorreado

Brewing Coffee the Costa Rican Way with IONA Coffee: The Art of Café Chorreado

Café Chorreado, is a method of brewing coffee that has been used for generations in Costa Rica.

Before the advent of modern coffee-making technologies, the chorreador was a simple and efficient way to brew coffee. This traditional method is not just about making coffee; it's an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and, most importantly, share it with a friend.

The Equipment: The Chorreador

The chorreador is the cornerstone of this brewing method—a simple wooden stand holding a cloth filter (the bolsita) that dangles above your coffee cup or carafe. This rustic yet effective device is a testament to the Costa Rican love for simplicity and sustainability. The cloth filter, often handmade, can be used multiple times, making it an eco-friendly choice for coffee lovers.

The Preparation: Water Temperature and Grind Size

To capture the full essence of IONA Coffee using the café chorreado method, pay attention to the grind size and the water temperature. The coffee should be ground to a medium-coarse consistency, akin to sea salt. This grind size allows for the perfect extraction rate, ensuring your coffee is neither under nor over-extracted.

Water temperature is equally crucial. Aim for water just off the boil, around 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C). This range is ideal for extracting the coffee's full spectrum of flavors without introducing bitterness.

How to Brew Like a Local

• Wet the Cloth Filter: Before adding your coffee, rinse the bolsita with hot water. This step helps to eliminate any residual flavors and preheats the filter, making for a smoother brewing process.

• Add IONA Coffee: Place about 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste) of your medium-coarse ground IONA Coffee into the wet filter.

• Brew and Enjoy: Pour the hot water slowly over the grounds, starting in the center and spiraling outwards. Be patient and allow the water to drip through the coffee grounds gradually. This process should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and brewing time to suit your taste preferences.

Café chorreado is more than a brewing method; it's a ritual that brings people together. Here are some best practices to enhance your experience:

• Always Use Freshly Ground and Roasted Coffee: Coffee starts to lose its flavors and aromas within minutes of grinding. For the best results, grind your IONA Coffee beans right before brewing. Additionally, coffee retains its maximum flavors when brewed with 2-4 weeks of roasting.

• Clean Your Equipment: After each use, rinse the cloth filter with hot water and let it dry completely to maintain hygiene and prevent off-flavors.

• Share Your Brew: The most important aspect of café chorreado is sharing the experience!

For Costa Ricans, and for us, coffee is a medium for conversation and connection. Invite a friend, pour a few cups, and savor the moment together. So, grab a friend, a chorreador, and a bag of IONA Coffee, and brew like a local. Disfruta!