A chorreador in Costa Rica is like the French Press in the United States. It’s a unique looking coffee making device which allows hot water to soak through a cloth filter full of coffee grounds which then drips into a container for a person or people to drink. The coffee maker is mounted on a wooden stand which holds the pocket-shaped bolsita, the Spanish word for little bag.
A circular wire or wooden rim attached to a handle holds the mouth of the bolsita open so that water can be poured into it. The base of the stand holds a mug or pot on it to catch the coffee. The bolsita is positioned above the container so that it doesn’t let the beverage flow onto a countertop or floor.
Many people make their own chorreador at home. They do not need to have excellent skills to do so. As long as they know basic sewing and carpentry skills, they can enjoy hot, fresh coffee daily.
Other families have artisans create their chorreadors for them. Decorative hard and soft woods are used to enhance the beauty of the piece. The Spanish verb chorrear is where the word chorreador comes from. It means ‘to drip or trickle,’ which is the perfect definition of what this coffee making device does.
Caring for the chorreador takes effort as the bolsita needs to be cleaned between uses. Washing and drying it prevents coffee grounds from building up in the bag and affecting the flavor of the new coffee being prepared. People who wash the bolsita know not to use soap or detergent because it leaves a bitter aftertaste.
The bolsita does turn the color of coffee over time because of the oils in the coffee but it does not affect the flavor of the beverage. If a person does not want the bag to be this color, they can remove the oils by scrubbing it with salt. The longevity of one bolsita is usually many months as long as it is being cared for properly.
Many Costa Ricans say the best cup of coffee is made in a chorreador! You’ll have to try it on your next Costa Rica surf trip with us and let us know what you think!
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