FAQ About Coffee

French press brewing, also known as plunger or press pot brewing, is a simple and popular method to make coffee. It involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water and separating the brewed coffee from the grounds using a plunger with a mesh filter. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the French press brewing process:

Gather Equipment and Ingredients:

• French press: A cylindrical glass or metal container with a plunger and mesh filter.
• Coarsely ground coffee: Use a burr grinder to achieve a coarse grind suitable for French press brewing.
• Hot water: Heat water to a temperature around 195-205°F (90-96°C).

Preheat the French Press:

• Pour hot water into the French press to preheat the container. This helps maintain the temperature during brewing.

Add Coffee Grounds:

• Remove the preheating water from the French press.
• Add the desired amount of coarsely ground coffee to the empty French press. The general ratio is 1:15, meaning 1 part coffee to 15 parts water, but you can adjust according to your preference.

Pour Hot Water:

• Start a timer and slowly pour hot water over the coffee grounds, saturating them evenly. Begin the pour, allowing the coffee to bloom as gases are released. Pause briefly before continuing.

Stir and Let Steep:

• Use a long spoon or paddle to gently stir the coffee grounds and water, ensuring even extraction. Stirring helps enhance the brewing process.
• Place the plunger and mesh filter on top of the French press, but do not press down yet.
• Let the coffee steep for about 4-5 minutes. You can adjust the steeping time based on your taste preferences and desired strength.

Press and Pour:

• After the desired steeping time, slowly press the plunger down, applying gentle and consistent pressure. The mesh filter will separate the brewed coffee from the grounds, pushing them to the bottom.
• Once the plunger is fully pressed down, the brewed coffee is ready to be poured.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Pour the brewed coffee into cups or a carafe, taking care not to agitate the settled grounds at the bottom.
• French press coffee is typically enjoyed as-is, without any additional filtering. It tends to have a fuller body, more oils, and sediment compared to filtered coffee.