Folding a V60 paper filter is a quick and essential step before brewing pour-over coffee. It helps the filter fit snugly in the cone and ensures proper extraction by preventing bypass brewing.
Step-by-Step V60 Filter Folding Guide
V60 filters have a seam along one side and a pre-folded edge along the other. To fold it correctly:
- Locate the Seam: Lay the filter flat and identify the side with the thicker, glued seam.
- Fold the Seam: Fold the filter along the seam. Make the fold crisp and sharp, ensuring the seam edge is completely folded over. Some people fold it inward (towards the center of the filter), others outward. Either works, as long as the seam is flat.
- Insert into Dripper: Open the filter into a cone shape and place it inside your V60 dripper. The goal is for the filter to sit flush against the walls of the cone.
Rinsing Your Folded V60 Filter
After folding the filter and placing it in the V60 dripper, the next crucial step is to rinse it with hot water. As mentioned in the provided reference, pouring water into the filter after placing it in the V60 helps so the filter "doesn't move up."
- Process: Carefully pour hot water (just off the boil) over the entire surface of the paper filter, ensuring all parts get wet. Allow the water to drain completely into your mug or server.
- Benefits:
- Removes any papery taste from the filter.
- Heats the dripper and your mug/server, helping maintain the coffee temperature.
- Helps the filter adhere to the walls of the V60 cone, ensuring it "doesn't move up" during the brewing process, as highlighted in the reference. This adherence also prevents water from bypassing the coffee bed and flowing directly into the server.
- Note: The reference states that this rinsing step "works for all v60s."
Discard the rinse water before adding your coffee grounds. With the filter correctly folded and rinsed, you're ready to add your coffee and begin brewing your pour-over.
