FRENCH PRESS

FRENCH PRESS

Using a french press to brew coffee is an easy way to get arguably one of the best cups of coffee brewed from home. It is one of the most loved methods of making coffee and doesn’t require a lot of time or effort to get it done.

The main part of a french press is made up of the base to keep it elevated above the surface of your counter, a beaker that is usually made of glass, and a handle to hold while you pour your coffee to prevent burns. The lid of the french press features a plunger on top which can be moved up and down to control the filter underneath.

How to Use a French Press:

  1. Heat your water to just below boiling – around 200 degrees.
  2. Measure out your desired amount of coffee grounds.
  3. Add the coffee to the bottom of the french press and shake to even it out.
  4. Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds and fill the french press.
  5. Stir the coffee up for about 5 seconds to get it well mixed.
  6. Put the lid on the french press and leave the filter pulled up above the coffee.
  7. Let the coffee steep for 3-4 minutes.
  8. Press on the plunger to lower the filter all the way to the bottom to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid.
  9. Pour your coffee into your cup and add any desired milk, creamer, sugar, or spices.
  10. Stir it up and enjoy!

There is a little more thought that goes into using a french press than some of the simpler methods of coffee making above. French press coffee is at its best when freshly ground coffee is used. You should use a burr grinder to get a consistent grind between coarse and medium. If the grind is too fine you risk far too bitter coffee.

Preparation Time: The amount of time it takes you to grind your coffee beans, heat your water, and steep your coffee. If you go the freshly ground route it will take around 10 minutes to make a cup of coffee using a french press. It also requires your full attention to prevent over steeping.

Taste: French press coffee has a wholely unique taste derived from the metal filter pressing natural oils from the coffee grounds. It is a robust taste that you can modify the strength of using less or more grounds in your brew. Your cup of coffee is likely to have a bit of silt at the bottom, though, so you might not want to drink that last sip.

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