French Press Coffee guide

Using a French press is an excellent way to make rich, flavorful black coffee. Here's a step-by-step guide to get a perfect brew:

Ingredients and Equipment:

  1. Freshly ground coffee beans (medium-coarse grind, similar to sea salt)
  2. Hot water (around 90-96°C, just below boiling)
  3. French press
  4. Timer
  5. Spoon or stirrer

Steps to Brew:

  1. Preheat the French Press
    • Pour hot water into the French press to warm it up.
    • This helps maintain the brewing temperature. Discard the water after preheating.
  2. Measure the Coffee and Water
    • Use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 to 1:17. For example:
      • 30 grams of coffee for 450 ml of water.
    • Adjust based on your taste preference.
  3. Add Ground Coffee
    • Place the medium-coarse coffee grounds into the empty French press.
  4. Pour Hot Water
    • Start your timer. Pour hot water over the coffee grounds in a circular motion to ensure even saturation.
    • Fill the French press to your desired level and stir gently to mix.
  5. Let It Steep
    • Cover the French press with the lid (plunger up) and let the coffee steep for 4 minutes.
    • For a stronger brew, you can extend steeping to 5 minutes.
  6. Press the Plunger
    • Slowly and steadily press the plunger down. Ensure even pressure to avoid spills or letting grounds through.
  7. Serve Immediately
    • Pour the coffee into your cup or carafe right away to avoid over-extraction (which makes the coffee bitter).

Tips for the Best Coffee:

  • Grind Fresh: Always grind your coffee just before brewing for maximum freshness.
  • Use Filtered Water: Good quality water enhances the coffee's flavor.
  • Experiment: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time to suit your taste.
  • Clean the French Press: Rinse thoroughly after each use to avoid lingering flavors.

Enjoy your perfect cup of black coffee! ☕