Blog
Are Paper Coffee Filters Healthier?
Your choice of filter can have an immense effect on the taste, aroma and nutrition of your morning cup of joe. A coffee filter is an integral component of the brewing process and has the power to enhance or diminish flavor, aroma and nutrition in your beverage. Factors affecting this include using either paper or metal filters; which type you use; size/shape of coffee makers used; etc.
Paper coffee filters are the go-to choice when it comes to brewing a cup of joe. Convenient and disposable, these disposable filters can be used once and thrown away after. Absorbent paper filters soak up oils found in coffee while still allowing water to pass through, helping ensure an excellent cup of java sans sediment or bitter taste. However, some individuals find the taste imparted by using paper filters can add an unpleasant papery note that can take away from its enjoyment.
Many coffee filters on the market today are bleached, and their packaging will reveal whether they have been bleached with chlorine or oxygen (the latter process being less harmful to the environment). Other people prefer unbleached paper filters which produce richer, more natural-tasting coffee; these tend to be more costly.
Paper filters, whether bleached or unbleached, are considered healthier alternatives to plastic filters, which may release harmful chemicals into your beverage. When opting for paper filters it’s also important to pre-wet them prior to use in order to remove any woody fibers that may become released during brewing.
Paper filters do have one major drawback – they cannot easily be reused and quickly build up in your coffeemaker, leading to microfines, oils and grime that taint subsequent cups of coffee and ruin their taste.
If you want a way to combat this potential issue, reusable cloth filters or permanent mesh filters could be a great way to go. They’re an economical alternative to disposable paper filters that may save money over time; although they require more effort and care when maintained, they should last years before needing to be replaced again.
Though debate regarding paper coffee filters versus metal ones may rage on for quite some time, it should be remembered that all coffeemakers can produce tasty cups of java with or without filters. What matters most when selecting one for yourself is taking into account your personal preferences, tastes, health benefits desired from each cup, as well as personal choice in selecting an optimal filter suited specifically to you based on this article’s information and making an informed decision! Good luck and best regards Evelyn