Brew French Press Coffee for a
Rich, Fullbodied Taste!
French press coffee is a unique brew in the world of coffee preparation. This full bodied java has a slightly thicker texture than other brewing methods and also retains more of the oil found in the coffee beans.
The main reason for this is the lack of a paper filter in the brewing process. Some say a paper filter may steal flavorful oils from the grounds.
These characteristics of press coffee are what make it so flavorful and robust. There is nothing quite like it!
How do you brew a delicious cup of pressed coffee? It's not hard if you follow some simple guidelines.
- Use only freshly ground coffee if possible. If you don't have a coffee grinder, purchase your coffee at a coffee house or online source that will grind to your specifications. The grind should be coarse enough to keep the grounds from filtering through the filter screen found on the french press.
- Remove the plunger and lid from the beaker.
- Measure about 2 tablespoons, or one standard coffee scoop, for each 6 oz. of coffee. Place the coffee grounds into the beaker.
- Add hot, not quite boiling, water to the beaker. Don't fill the beaker up to the top; leave about an inch of space for the lid.
- Gently stir the coffee grounds into the water.
- Gently place the plunger and lid on the top of the beaker; don't press it down yet. Turn the lid to close off the pour spout opening.
- Wait 4 to 6 minutes and allow the coffee to brew. (This is where the magic happens!). Once you have prepared french press coffee a few times you'll adjust the amount of coffee and length of brewing time to suit your taste. I let my coffee brew for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Start pressing on the plunger while keeping one hand on the lid to hold it in place. You should not have to use excessive force to press the plunger. Press slowly and steadily until the plunger is all the way to the bottom of the beaker (along with the coffee grounds!). If the plunger will not move, pull it out a little bit and make sure the lid is straight, and then start plunging again.
- Turn the lid to expose the pour spout opening. Pour your freshly brewed french press coffee immediately into your coffee cups and enjoy! Pressed coffee does not sit well and should be consumed right away.
You'll notice some sediment as you reach the bottom of the coffee cup. My advice is to leave that last swallow in the cup!
Enjoy your freshly brewed pressed coffee! Do you need a french press? No worries...read more about french press coffee makers here.