Why Bloom Time Matters


A small pause. A better cup.

There’s a moment in every pour-over brew when time slows.

Not because your day does—
but because your coffee asks you to wait.

It’s called the bloom.
And if you’ve been skipping it,
you’ve been missing more than just flavor.

What Is the Bloom?

When hot water first touches freshly ground coffee, something subtle but powerful begins.

The grounds release carbon dioxide (CO2)—trapped during roasting.

Those tiny bubbles? That’s the CO2 escaping.

Here’s why it matters:
CO2 is hydrophobic. It repels water.
And that gas barrier prevents extraction—keeping the water from reaching the soluble compounds that make coffee taste great.

Things like:

  • Oils
  • Aromatics

Natural sugars

Without a proper bloom, your water can’t fully extract those flavors. That means a flatter, less balanced cup.

The Science of the Pause

The bloom isn't just a ritual. It’s chemistry.

Here’s what happens when you pause:

  • The CO2 escapes.
  • The coffee grounds expand and settle.
  • The bed becomes evenly saturated.
  • Extraction improves.
  • Your cup tastes better—smoother, richer, more complex.

All in 30 to 45 seconds.

The Bloom Is Also About You

Most mornings move at the speed of caffeine cravings, Slack messages, and notifications.

But the bloom is different. It’s a tiny window of stillness—between pour and brew. That’s your moment to:

  • Inhale the aroma
  • Watch the bubbles rise
  • Be present with something simple

The bloom doesn’t demand anything—just your attention.

And that pause?
It shifts the tone of your morning.
The coffee tastes better.
The ritual becomes yours.

How to Bloom Your Coffee

No need for fancy tools or precise ratios to get started.

Here’s how to bloom with intention:

What You Need:

  • Freshly ground coffee

  • A pour-over setup (like NextLevel Pulsar)

  • A gooseneck kettle (for pour control)

  • Just a little patience

Step-by-Step:

1. Pour to Saturate
Start your pour-over by adding just enough water to wet the grounds.
Use about 2–3x the weight of the coffee.
→ For 20g of coffee, pour 40–60g of water.

Make sure the bed is fully saturated—no dry spots.

2. Wait 30–45 Seconds
Let the coffee bloom.
You’ll see the grounds rise and bubble as CO2 escapes.
Freshly roasted coffee? Even more dramatic bloom.

3. Continue Brewing Slowly
Now, pour the rest of your water slow and steady, in a spiral motion.
The grounds are now ready for even extraction—thanks to your pause.

Why Your Tools Matter

Your equipment supports the bloom—don’t skip the details.

✔️ Use a Gooseneck Kettle

It’s not just about aesthetics. A gooseneck gives you:

  • Controlled flow

  • Even saturation

  • The ability to pour with purpose

Too much water, too fast—and you’ll flood the bed, trapping CO2 before it can escape.

✔️ Use the Right Pour-Over Setup

We recommend the NextLevel Pulsar for precision, clarity, and consistency.

It creates the space for your bloom to happen properly— and for your coffee to taste the way it should.

What the Bloom Reminds Us

Great coffee isn’t always about better beans or expensive gear.

Sometimes, it’s about giving yourself permission to: Pause. Breath. Notice

In a world that rewards rushing, the bloom rewards patience.

And your cup rewards you for both.

TL;DR – Why Bloom Time Matters

  • Releases carbon dioxide trapped in coffee beans 
  • CO2 repels water—without degassing, extraction suffers
  • A 30–45 second pause leads to better balance and flavor
  • Creates a sensory, intentional moment in your routine
  • Requires nothing more than a mindful pour

Try It Yourself

Come by BHB to taste the difference—or try blooming at home. Check our our favorite gear

Your best cup could be just one pause away.

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