If you're a long-time coffee drinker, you know that there are multiple ways to brew coffee. One popular method is using a French press. A French press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, is a simple, immersion method to making a delicious cup of coffee at home.
If you’ve never used a French Press before, here's a step-by-step guide to brewing:
- Start with fresh, whole bean coffee. Choose a fresh, high-quality coffee that you enjoy and grind it at coarsely. If you’re using the Baratza Encore, start around #28 setting.
- Boil water in a kettle or pot. Allow the water to cool a minute before pouring.
- Preheat your French press. Fill the press with hot water to warm it up, then discard the water.
- Add the coffee to the French press. Use a ratio between 1:12 and 1:15 coffee to water. For example, if you're using 15 grams of coffee, you'll need between 180g (15x12) and 225g (15x15) of water. Adjust the ratio to your taste preferences.
- Pour the water over the coffee to saturate all of the grounds. Stir the coffee gently to ensure that all the grounds are evenly saturated.
- Place the plunger on top of the French press. Allow the coffee to steep for 3-4 minutes.
- Press the plunger down slowly. The plunger will push the grounds to the bottom of the French press, separating the coffee from the grounds.
- Pour the coffee into your cup. Be sure to pour slowly and evenly to prevent any grounds from getting into your cup.
- Enjoy your delicious cup of coffee!
French press coffee is known for its full-bodied flavor and rich taste. With a little practice and adjusting to your preferences, you can create a perfectly brewed cup of coffee every time.