Old Brew, Old Style - The Art of Gourmet Coffee

The Traditional Costa Rican Coffee Maker

A Glimpse into History

Around two decades ago, nearly every household, restaurant, and office kitchen in Costa Rica featured a traditional coffee-making device known as the Chorreador de café. This simple yet effective tool consists of an unvarnished wooden frame, approximately 33 cm tall, with a round hole at the top where a wire-rimmed cloth filter is placed. Finely ground coffee is added to the filter, and boiling water is poured over it, allowing the coffee to drip into a pot below.

The Decline of Tradition

Despite its effectiveness, the Chorreador de café is rapidly being replaced by modern coffee makers and percolators. The primary reasons cited for this shift are speed and convenience. However, in our home, the Chorreador de café remains a staple because it produces a superior-tasting coffee.

The Art of Brewing Gourmet Coffee

Selecting the Right Coffee

For those living in or visiting Costa Rica, the best coffee to use is locally available, non-exported brands. We recommend mixing two off-the-shelf pure coffee brands, which we'll refer to as Brand A and Brand B, in a 50-50 ratio. Store this blend in an airtight glass container to maintain its freshness.

The Brewing Process

1. Boil Fresh Water: Use fresh tap water, not reheated water. Filtered or collected rainwater can enhance the flavor.
2. Prepare the Filter: Place two tablespoons of finely ground coffee into the cloth filter mounted on the wooden stand. This amount will yield four cups of coffee.
3. Pour the Water: Slowly pour the boiling water into the filter. Pause occasionally to allow the water level to drop before continuing. Avoid using metal spoons to stir the mixture.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a touch of cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, or cloves to the coffee mixture for a unique twist.

Maintaining the Filter

Always use a dry filter to avoid a wet, diluted coffee. If you brew coffee multiple times a day, consider having two filters to alternate between uses. Rinse the filters under running tap water after each use and wash them weekly with salt water to remove grease. Avoid using bleach, soap, or detergent.

Crafting Your Own Chorreador de Café

For those who enjoy DIY projects, here's a step-by-step guide to making your own Chorreador de café:

Materials Needed

• 5" x 18" x 1/2" wood (Maple or your choice)
• 6" x 8" x 3/4" wood (Maple or your choice)
• Finish nails
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Cut the Base: From the 3/4" wood, cut a 7 1/2" x 6" base. Chamfer a 45-degree cut 1" in from each corner.
2. Cut the Supports: From the 1/2" wood, cut two 9" long supports at a 5-degree angle on each end.
3. Prepare the Top: Cut a 6" x 4 1/2" top from the 1/2" wood. Draw and chamfer a 45-degree cut 1" from each corner. Cut a 4" circle in the center.
4. Assemble the Frame: Glue and nail the pieces together.
5. Create the Filter Basket: Use a stiff wire to form a handle and a 4 1/4" circle. Attach a piece of cotton cloth to the wire frame.

The Joy of Traditional Coffee

While modern coffee makers offer convenience, the traditional method of using a Chorreador de café provides a richer, more satisfying coffee experience. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this method is worth the effort.

Interesting Facts

• Costa Rica's Coffee Production: Costa Rica produces around 1.5 million bags of coffee annually, making it one of the top coffee producers in the world (source).
• Health Benefits: Coffee is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to a reduced risk of several diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's (source).

By embracing the traditional methods and taking the time to brew coffee with care, you can enjoy a truly gourmet experience that modern conveniences often overlook.