brewing the coffee
The French press coffee brewing method is ideal for any coffee enthusiast with a love for strong, full-bodied coffee. Such a brew requires a cold plunge into hot water, where several unique variables affect the end result. The coffee:water ratio, brewing time, and degree of grind all contribute to the richness of the French press coffee. Before starting, ensure you have a French press, coarsely ground coffee (if using beans), and a heat source.
preheating the french press
Before everything else, preheat the French press by filling it with boiling water. This helps in extracting maximum flavor out of the coffee grounds. Pour the boiling water in the French press, cover the press with the plunger and lid, and let it sit while you prepare the coffee.
measuring the beans
For an average French press, use two tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee for every six ounces of water. If you’re using pre-ground coffee, adjust the measurement accordingly, since pre-ground is typically more finely ground than freshly ground beans.
pouring and stirring
Empty the water from the preheated French press, and add the measured ground coffee into it. Pour the appropriate amount of water and stir gently. Allow the grounds to steep for approximately four minutes.
plunging the brew
After the four minutes have elapsed, firmly press the plunger downwards until it has reached the bottom of the pot. This “plunging” process presses the grounds down to the bottom, giving the brew its full-bodied, strong taste.
serving the coffee
To serve, simply pour the French press coffee into your favorite cup or mug. The recommended amount of coffee to use is between eight to 10 ounces. This allows the grounds to sit in the press while they’re still steeping and not affect the taste of the final product.
health benefits of french press
French press coffee is known for its rich flavor and velvety mouthfeel. It is also known for its various health benefits. Coffee is known for its high concentration of antioxidants, and freshly ground coffee holds the most. Also, brewed coffee from a French press is thought to contain fewer irritating substances than other brewing methods, such as paper filters.
french press hacks
French press hacks such as adding butter, coconut oil, or MCT oil to your coffee can also add additional health benefits, such as increased energy and mental clarity. Also, replacing your grounds with cold brew concentrate can create an incredibly smooth and full-bodied cup of coffee in just minutes.
cons of french press
One of the downsides of french press brewing is the grounds at the bottom can become over-extracted and bitter if left in the water too long. Additionally, if not properly maintained, the pot and lid can be difficult to keep clean. To prevent this, it’s recommended to thoroughly rinse the plunger, lid, and pot after every use.
benefits of using a french press
The French press is one of the simplest and most versatile brewing methods, allowing you to easily control variables such as the coffee:water ratio and steeping time. This makes it ideal for any budget and coffee preference. Additionally, its convenient size makes it perfect for those who like to travel light or with limited counter space.
best coffee for french press
Generally, coffee made for a French press should use a grind size somewhere between table salt and coarse sand. Many experts also agree that darker roast coffees are best for French press brewing, as they bring out its natural sweetness and richness. Some popular dark roast beans for French press brewing include Sumatra, Guatemala Huehuetenango, and Colombia Excelso.
cut sugar and add flavors
If you’re looking to reduce sugar intake, look no further than French press coffee. French press coffee is generally not loaded with sugar, so you can enjoy its rich flavor without a sugar overload. Additionally, French press coffee can be flavored in a variety of ways. Adding creamer, spices, or flavored syrups can make the experience more enjoyable.
experiment with different coffee blends
Experimenting with different coffee beans and blends is a great way to discover your favorite brew. Start by trying different grind sizes and brewing methods, and find the one that produces the richest and most flavorful cup. Additionally, mixing and matching different types and origins of coffees can make your coffee journey even more interesting.
storage of grounds
When not brewing coffee, it is important to store your coffee grounds properly. Moisture, air, and sunlight are the enemies of coffee beans, so store them in an air-tight container in a cool and dry place. Ground coffee is best used within two weeks of purchase, while whole beans can last up to a month.
