Sustainable til the very end: the best ways to discard of your used coffee
Not sure what to do with your used coffee? There are some fantastically sustainable practices which can keep your coffee out of landfill.
Brewing Beyond Espresso: A Guide to Making Coffee Without an Espresso Machine
You may often find yourself stood in the queue at your local coffee shop on a bustling morning thinking, yet again, that you really ought to look into making coffee at home on those days you weren’t planning on heading out (that is, without busting open that jar of instant that’s been in the cupboard for an unknown number of months). Some of your friends have really fancy espresso machines at home that would rival the one behind the counter of the shop you’re stood at, but a quick google has shown they just aren’t within your budget at the moment. But can you brew coffee at home without an espresso machine? The answer is absolutely, you can.
Whilst many independent and chain coffee shops work behind the counter with just an espresso machine, the coffee industry is full of other brew methods that do not require the investment of an espresso machine. Rather than brewing an espresso-based drink, this array of alternative methods produce phenomenal cups of filter coffee akin to those served in some of the country’s most speciality coffee brew bars. By exploring the world of filter coffee brewing, you can use the exact same single origin beans used to produce espresso to produce flavourful cups of coffee with the same caffeine content (or maybe even a little bit more) instead.
The AeroPress
Here at KOTA, we believe that the AeroPress is the most accessible way to drink filter coffee at home. It can be used, quite literally, anywhere. Many hikers and bikers take it in their backpacks on hikes with a flask of pre-boiled water because the process of brewing with an AeroPress doesn’t require any mains electricity aside from the boiling water. This also explains why it’s so loved by coffee-appreciating university students looking to save that student finance by brewing coffee in their dorms rather than relying on the campus coffee shop; the compact brewer can be used in even the smallest of university accommodations with just a quick trip to-and-from the communal kitchen kettle.
The point is that you can rely on the Aeropress to make coffee at home with any amount of space. The total process of making the coffee takes just a couple of minutes and has next-to-no clean up compared to the maintenance needed for an espresso machine.
Equipment list: AeroPress, AeroPress filter paper, Serving jug, Scales, Kettle
Pour over
If you’ve been having a look online at some of the other coffee brewing methods out there, it’s almost guaranteed that you will have come across at least one really streamlined, slick video of coffee being brewed ritualistically and methodically – this is the world of pour over coffee. It doesn’t need to be brewed against a backdrop as though an Instagram influencer is stood over you filming it, but it is undeniable that this brew method naturally oozes detail and attention within itself.
It definitely requires a bit more learning and practice than the Aeropress, but that’s why we love it. Getting to grips with pour over coffee opens the door to leaning about the science behind brewing coffee. From temperature of water, to extraction time, to recipe ratios, and to flow-rate of water; you’ll be seriously surprised as to how many variables will completely alter the taste of the cup of coffee you get from a pour over. By changing up the recipe you use, you may well end up with a drink that’s not tasted like any other cup of coffee you’ve had before, for the better.
Don’t be put off by the number of factors you’ll need to be aware of, at its core this brew method needs just a few simple pieces of equipment. From there, you can learn at your own paces about how to use them and within a few brews you’ll have your first coffee recipe perfected.
Equipment list: V60 cone, V60 filter paper, serving jug, scales, kettle.
Cafetiere
There’s quite an assumption about cafetieres that are ‘old school’ and produce bitter coffee using old beans that were packaged months ago. In reality, this cannot be further from the truth. You can use the exact same beans that you’d grind to put through an espresso machine to make your next cafetiere of coffee. This brew method is ideal for batch making a few cups of coffee to share with friends as you can produce 3-4 cups a go. Because of this, it is a super quick way to produce speciality coffee.
Although a lot of single origin coffees are best drunk black to highlight their unusual flavour notes, if you want to add a dash of milk to your coffee then that is absolutely fine. It’s your cup of coffee, you should drink it the way you enjoy it.
Equipment: Cafetiere, measuring spoon, kettle.
Final thoughts:
Exploring alternative coffee brewing methods opens up a world of flavours and experiences beyond the espresso machine. Each method has its unique qualities, allowing you to tailor your coffee to your preferences. Whether you seek precision, versatility, ease or elegance, there's an alternative brewing method out there for you journey. So, venture beyond espresso and savour the richness of the coffee world's diverse offerings.
Shop all coffee here - we can pre-grind it to the brew method of your choosing
Introducing: Moment Limited Release
Introducing Moment Limited Release, a collection of exotic and rare coffees. This initiative aligns with the "Always, Often, Occasional" model introduced by Raw Material, which classifies coffee based on its impact for producers and its availability. The Moment Collection aims to showcase exceptional coffee and promote ethical and sustainable practices. Any purchase from the Moment Collection offers a 25% discount on KOTA's general releases, encouraging customers to explore more coffees and support cornerstone offerings.
Building Your Home Coffee Bar: Must-Have Equipment and Accessories
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