Although the term French Press sounds a bit intimidating or maybe seem too fancy, this is actually one of the simplest and tastiest coffee brewing methods available. Learn here how to make French press coffee in 9 easy steps. The key to successful brewing is having a decent brewer, good water and freshly ground coffee. Making a coffee in a French press allows the coffee to be fully immersed in water bringing out the full flavor of the coffee.
How to make a French press coffee:
- Heat water in a tea kettle or in the microwave. The water should ideally be heated to 195° to 200° degrees. Be certain to use filtered water. Water taste does affect the taste and quality of your coffee. If you wouldn’t drink the water straight from the faucet, then you shouldn’t use it to make your coffee.
- Grind coffee beans using a coarse setting: The freshest coffee is made with freshly ground beans. If you do not have a grinder at home, you can have the beans ground at the store or shop where you purchased the beans; however, be certain to have them ground coarsely. You will not get good results using an off-the-shelf, auto-drip ground coffee. Coffee too finely ground will leave more sediment in your cup and may clog the filter.
- Add ground coffee to the French press beaker: Measure 1 tablespoon of coarsely ground coffee per 4 oz cup. This can be adjusted to taste. The coffee grounds will be fully immersed in the water bringing out the full flavor of the coffee.
- Pour water into beaker. Be careful not to overfill. Leave about one inch from the top of the beaker so you have room to place the filter/lid assembly on top. If your French press beaker is not insulated, you should preferably pre-heat it first.
- Stir the coffee and water gently with a wooden or plastic spoon (some use chopsticks), for about 10 seconds. To avoid cracking the beaker, DO NOT use a metal spoon in a glass beaker.
- Place the filter/lid assembly on top of the beaker, with the filter and plunger resting at the top of the brewing coffee. Do not press yet!
- Set a timer for 4 minutes. Do not over-brew because the coffee can bitter.
- When ready, press the plunger down into the coffee slowly, gently and evenly
- Hold the lid and pour the fresh brewed coffee into your cup. Enjoy!
French press coffee making tips:
- The oil that appears the top of a French pressed brewed coffee is normal and is part of what makes a French pressed coffee so flavorful. A paper filter would normally filter these essential oils out. If you do not care for the oil or a little sediment in your coffee, then a French press brew may not be for you.
- Wait until your French press beaker has cooled before cleaning. The glass beakers can be very sensitive when they are hot. To clean, dump out the large portion of grounds, fill the beaker with water and use a metal strainer to capture the left over grounds.
- Use the same directions to brew Crio Bru brewed cocoa; however, brew time is increased to 7 minutes or more. You cannot over brew Crio Bru.
- Take a French press with you when you travel for great tasting coffee on the road! Most hotel rooms are equipped with a microwave for heating water.
- Order a French pressed coffee at your local coffee shop as a way to insure the coffee you are being served is freshly brewed. It is also a great way to sample some of the different coffee varietals offered for sale that may not be the shop’s regular brew.
As you can see, it is very simple to brew coffee in a French press coffee maker. Once you have given it a try, let me know what you think!
Instructions for a travel French press are similar. Learn how to use a travel French press by checking out my blog “How to Use a Bodum Travel French Press Coffee Maker.”
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