How to Brew Whole Arabica Coffee Beans at Home

The Kaapiswada family · 2026-10-23

To brew whole Arabica coffee beans at home, grind them fresh just before brewing, match the grind to your method, and use hot water just off the boil. Fine for a South Indian steel filter, medium for pour-over, and coarse for a French press. That one change, grinding fresh, does most of the work.

We grow Arabica on our own estate in the Mullayanagiri foothills of Chikmagalur and sell it as whole beans too. Here is how we brew 100% Arabica beans at home, three ways.

Brew whole Arabica coffee beans at home: grind fresh first

Whole beans keep their aroma far longer than ground coffee, which is why many people grind only what they need. A mixie in short pulses works if you do not have a grinder. For storage, see our guide on whole beans vs ground coffee.

If you would like beans to start with, see our Roastswada whole Arabica beans (like Kaapiswada Roastswada: 100% Arabica whole beans from our own Chikmagalur estate).

Method 1: South Indian steel filter

  1. Grind fine, like rava with a little powder.
  2. Add two to three heaped tablespoons to the top chamber of a four-cup filter and rest the disc on top lightly.
  3. Pour in water just off the boil, cover, and let the decoction drip for 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Mix with hot milk and sugar. Pour between davara and tumbler for froth.

Our step-by-step filter coffee guide goes through each part, and the grind size guide explains what to do if the drip is too fast or too slow.

Method 2: French press

  1. Grind coarse, like coarse sand.
  2. A common starting point is about one part coffee to fifteen parts water by weight; adjust to taste.
  3. Pour hot water over the grounds, stir once, and cover.
  4. Wait about four minutes, then press slowly and pour at once.

Method 3: Pour-over

  1. Grind medium, a little finer than for a French press.
  2. Wet the paper filter and grounds with a little hot water and wait for it to bloom.
  3. Pour the rest in slow circles until you reach your amount.
  4. Taste and adjust the grind next time: bitter means a little coarser, thin means a little finer.

Which Arabica should I buy?

For any of these, 100% Arabica with no chicory lets the bean show. Our Pureswada is the same 100% Arabica as ready ground filter powder (like Kaapiswada Pureswada: 100% single-estate Arabica from our own family estate, no chicory), and Roastswada is whole beans. You can compare all of them on our products page.

If you want to try it, see our Roastswada whole Arabica beans.

Not sure which beans to start with? See how to choose the best coffee beans in India and our guide to Arabica coffee beans in India.

Questions people ask

Do I need a grinder to brew whole beans? A burr grinder gives the most even grind, but a mixie in short pulses works for a steel filter.

What grind is best for Arabica beans? It depends on the method: fine for a steel filter, medium for pour-over and coarse for a French press.

How long do whole beans stay fresh? They keep their aroma better than ground coffee. Keep them sealed, away from heat, light and moisture.

Can I use Arabica beans for South Indian filter coffee? Yes. Grind them fine and brew in a steel filter. Add hot milk for classic kaapi.

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