The French press is a classic brewing method that promises rich and flavourful coffee. With its simplicity and effectiveness, it’s a go-to choice for many coffee enthusiasts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the art of French press coffee.
If you're new to speciality coffee we recommend starting with the French press, medium roast coffee works perfectly with it!
What is a French Press?
A French press is a manual coffee brewing device. It consists of a cylindrical glass or stainless-steel container, a plunger with a mesh filter, and a lid. The design allows coffee grounds to steep in hot water, and the plunger filters the coffee, separating the grounds from the liquid.Why Choose a French Press?
- Flavour: The French press preserves the oils and fine particles of the coffee, enhancing its full-bodied flavour.
- Control: You can adjust the brew time, water temperature, and coffee-to-water ratio to suit your taste.
- Simplicity: It doesn’t require electricity or paper filters, making it an eco-friendly and portable option.
What You’ll Need
- French Press: Choose a size based on your needs.
- Coffee Beans: Freshly ground whole beans provide the best flavour.
- Grinder: Our manual grinder enriches you in the deep history of coffee.
- Hot Water: Ideally between 90°C - 96°C.
- Scale (Optional): For precise measurement.
- Stirring Spoon: Wooden or plastic to avoid breaking the glass.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the French Press
- Fill the press with hot water, from the kettle, to preheat it. This helps maintain the optimal brewing temperature.
- Use a coffee-to-water ratio of about 1:15. For a standard 350ml French press, this means 23g of coffee to 350ml of water.
- Grind the coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to sea salt (as shown in the photo above). Finer grounds can slip through the filter, resulting in a muddy brew.
- Discard the preheating water and add the measured coffee grounds to the French press.
- Pour a small amount of hot water over the grounds, just enough to saturate them. Let it sit for about 30 seconds. This is called blooming and allows the coffee to release gases, enhancing the flavour.
5. Add Remaining Water
- Pour the rest of the hot water over the coffee. Use a circular motion to ensure all grounds are evenly saturated.
- Give the mixture a gentle stir to break up any clumps. Place the lid on the press with the plunger pulled up, and let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. Adjust the steeping time to suit your taste; longer for stronger coffee, shorter for milder.
- After 4 minutes, slowly press the plunger down. Apply even pressure to avoid forcing grounds through the filter.
- Pour the coffee immediately to prevent over-extraction, which can make it bitter.
- Serve your freshly brewed coffee in your favourite mug and savour the rich, full-bodied flavour.
Cleaning Your French Press
- Disassemble: Remove the plunger and separate the filter components.
- Rinse: Rinse all parts under warm water. Use a brush to clean the mesh filter if needed.
- Deep Clean: Occasionally, disassemble and soak the parts in warm soapy water to remove any residue.
- Fresh Beans: Use freshly ground beans for the best flavour.
- Consistent Grind: Ensure a uniform, coarse grind to avoid a gritty texture.
- Right Temperature: Avoid boiling water; it can scorch the coffee. Aim for just off the boil.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to tweak the ratio and brew time to find your perfect cup.
The French press is a versatile and straightforward brewing method that can elevate your coffee experience. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy a rich, full-bodied cup that captures the essence of your favourite beans. Happy brewing!