Have you ever struggled brewing a French press? I mean getting it just right. I have. It (embarrassingly) took a long while to get the ratio of coffee to hot water right. Sometimes it was waaaay too strong, sometimes way too weak. Like either pouring tar or tea. NOT how we want a coffee. AND let’s face it: the good coffee isn’t cheap so if you don’t get it right it’s pretty disappointing. Sooo, let’s dive in to the French press.
where did the French press come from?
The first French presses that were patented date back only about 100 years. Before, there are stories of it’s “accidental” discovery dating to the mid 1800’s. Some say it was founded in France, others, in Italy. In any case, this method of brewing was the best that was discovered thus far.
Why is this method considered superior to other brewing methods?
It probably depends on who you ask, as everyone has their own tastebuds and preferences, but it is widely spoken of that the French press method of brewing is one of the favorites due to several reasons:
- it’s super easy
- the equipment needed is small, minimal, and you can pack it up and take it with you
- the method allows the oils of the coffee to get more into the brew, adding more body and flavor
- depending on how long you steep the grounds the strength of your coffee can vary, making this method more customizable to your preferences
- it also allows more control over the flavors of your coffee due to what was previously stated
Fun fact: You can use the French press for loose leaf tea AND for frothing warm milk for lattes and cappuccinos
what supplies will I need for my coffee?
- kettle
- coffee- organic is best
- water
- French press
- mug
- whatever you like in your coffee
how do I make a French press?
This process can be as simple or complicated, as casual or as precise as you want to make it. Some people meticulously weigh the coffee grounds as wanting a certain grams/cups of water measurement. I have done it this way… but tend to just pour in whatever looks right into the grinder and call it good. After awhile you start to know the amount of beans you need to make the strength of brew you prefer.
First, you’ll need to fill up a kettle and put it on the stove to boil.
Next, grind the coffee beans*. I like organic. For a French press, it’s recommended that the grounds are a course grind. This is due to the water being able to get around the grounds… you want them not too big, and not fine.**
*If you would like to be exact it’s here that you would weigh your beans BEFORE you grind them. Then add them to your grinder and proceed with the process.
**Also, while your water is boiling you can “pre-heat” your French press (especially glass) by filling it with hot tap water. Then, right before filling with the coffee grounds, pour it out.
Add your ground to the press and when your water is just under boiling, pour it onto the grounds.
Now, I’m going to get into something that’s been very controversial in our family; to stir or not to stir. It’s been debated many a time whether you stir the grounds after you’ve poured the water on top or not. We’ve done it both ways… some coffee connoisseurs say to let the grounds be and only put the plunger in after a “crust” has developed. I honestly can’t tell a difference and don’t know if it really matters or not. I stir the grounds.
Last but not least…
Now, wait about 4-6 min and you’ll have one of the BEST coffees you’ve ever tasted! It’s well known that the French press produces a strength and flavor of coffee that is second only to espresso.
try some of our other hot drinks here:
You can read more about coffee in this awesome resource: I Love Coffee by Susan Zimmer.
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