Chorreador facts for kids
A chorreador is a special way to make coffee, mostly used in Costa Rica. Imagine a simple wooden stand with a cloth filter hanging from it. Hot water slowly drips through coffee grounds in this filter, and fresh coffee collects in a cup or pot below. It's a traditional and easy way to brew a delicious cup of coffee!
What it Looks Like
The chorreador has a wooden stand that holds a special cotton bolsita. Bolsita is a Spanish word meaning "little bag." This bolsita is shaped like a small pocket.
The opening of the bolsita is kept open by a round wire or wooden ring. This ring is attached to a handle. The wooden stand has a flat base where you place your coffee cup or coffee pot. The bolsita hangs from the top of the stand, right over your cup.
You can make a chorreador yourself at home. It only needs basic woodworking and sewing skills. Artisans also create beautiful chorreadors from different types of wood.
How to Use It
The word chorreador comes from the Spanish verb chorrear. This means "to drip" or "to trickle." It describes how the hot water slowly moves through the coffee.
First, place a coffee cup or pot on the bottom of the stand. Then, spoon fine or medium-fine ground coffee into a dry bolsita. Hang the bolsita from the top of the stand so it is above your cup.
Next, slowly pour boiling water over the coffee grounds in the bolsita. The water will seep through the grounds. Freshly brewed coffee will then drip into your waiting cup or pot.
Taking Care of the Bolsita
It's important to wash and dry the bolsita after each use. A dry bolsita helps make the best coffee. If you make coffee often, it's a good idea to have more than one filter.
After making coffee, rinse the bolsita with water. This removes all the used coffee grounds. Never use soap or detergent to clean it. Soap can leave a bad taste in your coffee.
Over time, natural oils from the coffee will stain the cotton bolsita. These oils are called caffeol. Don't worry, this staining does not change the taste of your coffee. About once a month, you can scrub the bolsita with salt. This helps remove the oils. Always rinse it very well afterward to get rid of all the salt. A bolsita that is cared for properly can last for many months.
