Is it better to choose coffee filter paper that is whiter?

Is it better to choose coffee filter paper that is whiter?

Many coffee enthusiasts have made it difficult to initially choose coffee filter paper. Some prefer unbleached filter paper, while others prefer bleached filter paper. But what is the difference between them?
Many people believe that unbleached coffee filter paper is good, after all, it is natural. However, there are also people who believe that bleached filter paper is good because it looks clean, which has sparked a heated debate.

v60 paper coffee filters

So let’s analyze the difference between bleached and unbleached drip coffee paper.
Most people, like me, have always believed that the natural color of paper is white, so many people believe that white coffee filter paper is the most primitive material.
In fact, natural paper is not actually white. The white coffee filter paper you have seen is formed by processing it with bleach.

cone coffee filters

During the bleaching process, two main products are used:

  1. Chlorine gas
  2. oxygen

Due to chlorine being a bleaching agent with chemical components, most coffee enthusiasts do not use it frequently. And the quality of coffee filter paper bleached with chlorine is lower than that of filters bleached with oxygen. If you are looking for high-quality bleached filter paper, it is recommended that you use a filter labeled “TCF” on the packaging, which means the paper has been 100% bleached and does not contain chlorine.
Unbleached coffee filter paper does not have the bright white appearance of bleached filter paper, but they are more natural and environmentally friendly. All papers have a brown appearance as they have not undergone the bleaching process.
However, when using unbleached coffee filter paper, it must be rinsed multiple times to prevent paper flavors from entering your coffee:

  • Put unbleached coffee filter paper into a coffee funnel container
  • Rinse with hot water and then add ground coffee powder
  • Then pour out the hot water used to rinse the filter paper
  • Finally, start brewing the actual coffee

coffee filters

environment protection
Compared to the two, bleached coffee filter paper can be detrimental to the environment.
Due to the addition of bleaching during the manufacturing process, even if only a small amount of bleach is used, these coffee filter papers containing bleach will still pollute the environment when discarded.
Compared to chlorine bleached filter paper, oxygen bleached coffee filter paper is relatively environmentally friendly. The filter paper bleached by chlorine gas will have a slight impact on the soil.

Flavor:
There is also great controversy over whether bleached and unbleached drip coffee filter papers will affect the flavor of coffee.
For ordinary daily coffee drinkers, the difference may be small, while experienced coffee enthusiasts may find that unbleached coffee filter paper produces a slight paper smell.
However, when using unbleached coffee filter paper, it is usually rinsed once. If you rinse the filter paper before brewing coffee, it can be almost completely removed. So neither type of coffee filter paper will have a significant impact on the flavor of coffee, but this is also related to the thickness of the paper.

Quality:
When choosing filter paper, not only do you need to ensure that the appropriate size is chosen for the brewing method you have chosen, but also ensure that the correct thickness is selected.
Thin coffee filter paper can allow coffee liquid to flow quickly. Insufficient coffee extraction rate may have a negative impact on your brewing, resulting in a poor taste; The thicker the filter paper, the higher the extraction rate, and the better the coffee flavor.
No matter which type of coffee filter paper you choose, always remember to purchase high-quality coffee filter paper because it will truly affect the taste of your coffee.
Make sure they are the correct size and thickness to brew one cup of your favorite coffee at a time

unbleached drip coffee paper

After gaining a better understanding of coffee filter paper, you can demand what you need. By weighing your own needs, you can ensure that you use the ideal coffee filter paper during the production process and brew a perfect cup of coffee.


Post time: May-06-2024