Breakfast & Brunch > Breakfast Drinks (Non-Alcoholic) > Coffee > Brewed Coffee (Various Methods)
French Press Coffee
A rich and full-bodied coffee brewed using the French press method. This method extracts more oils and solids from the coffee grounds, resulting in a robust and flavorful cup.
Ingredients
- 60 g Coffee beans (coarsely ground)
- 900 ml Water
Grind the Coffee
Grind the coffee beans to a coarse consistency. The grind size is crucial for French press; it should resemble coarse sea salt. A finer grind will result in a muddy and bitter brew.
Preheat the French Press
Heat water to around 200°F (93°C). Pour a small amount of hot water into the French press carafe to warm it up. Swirl the water around and then discard it. This helps maintain a consistent brewing temperature.
Add Coffee Grounds
Add the coarsely ground coffee to the preheated French press.
Bloom the Coffee
Pour about twice the amount of water as coffee (about 120ml) over the grounds, ensuring all the grounds are saturated. Let it bloom for 30 seconds. Blooming allows the coffee to degas, releasing carbon dioxide and enhancing the flavor.
Pour Remaining Water
Slowly pour the remaining hot water over the saturated grounds, filling the French press. Avoid pouring directly onto the sides of the carafe.
Steep
Place the lid on the French press, but do not press down yet. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes.
Press Gently
After 4 minutes, slowly and gently press the plunger down, stopping when you reach the bottom. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can agitate the grounds and create a bitter taste.
Serve Immediately
Pour the coffee immediately into cups or a serving carafe. Leaving the coffee in the French press after pressing can lead to over-extraction and a bitter taste.
FAQ
-
Why is my French press coffee bitter?
Bitterness in French press coffee can be caused by several factors, including using too fine a grind, over-extraction (steeping for too long), or pressing down too hard on the plunger. Ensure you use a coarse grind, steep for the recommended time, and press gently. -
How can I clean my French press properly?
Disassemble the French press and rinse all parts thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Pay close attention to the mesh filter, removing any trapped coffee grounds. You can also occasionally soak the parts in a solution of baking soda and water to remove stubborn stains.