What Is Coffee Bloom?
Ever poured hot water over fresh coffee grounds and seen them bubble up? That’s the coffee bloom. It happens when carbon dioxide escapes from freshly roasted beans. If your coffee doesn’t bloom, it might not be as fresh as you think.
Why Does Bloom Matter?
Freshly roasted beans trap gas. When you brew coffee, that gas gets in the way of water reaching the grounds. If you don’t let the gas escape first, your coffee can taste flat. Blooming helps the water pull out more flavor.
How to Bloom Coffee
1. Use Fresh Beans – The fresher the coffee, the bigger the bloom.
2. Pre-Wet the Grounds – Pour just enough hot water to soak them.
3. Wait 30-45 Seconds – Let the gas escape before continuing to brew.
Does Every Coffee Need Blooming?
Not really. Espresso doesn’t bloom because of high pressure. Cold brew doesn’t because it steeps for hours. But for pour-over, French press, or drip coffee? Blooming makes a difference.
Try It and Taste the Difference
Next time you make coffee, take a few extra seconds to bloom it. It’s a simple step that can make your cup taste better.
