French Press

Brewing coffee in a French press is a straightforward process that allows for a rich and flavourful cup. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

What You’ll Need:

  1. French press
  2. Fresh coffee beans or pre-ground coffee
  3. Grinder (if using whole beans)
  4. Kettle
  5. Timer
  6. Stirring utensil (wooden or plastic to avoid scratching the French press)
  7. Scale (optional, for precise measurements)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measure Coffee and Water

  • Ratio: A common ratio is 1:15 (1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water). For example:
    • 30 grams of coffee for 450 mL (15 ounces) of water.
  • Adjust the ratio based on your preference (stronger or weaker coffee).

2. Heat the Water

  • Heat water to about 195–205°F (90–96°C). This is slightly below boiling. If you don’t have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it sit for 30 seconds.

3. Grind the Coffee

  • Use a coarse grind, similar to sea salt. A finer grind can clog the French press filter and result in over-extraction. We can grind your coffee to French Press grind! 

4. Preheat the French Press (Optional)

  • Add a little hot water to the French press to warm it up, then discard the water. This helps maintain the brewing temperature.

5. Add Coffee Grounds

  • Place the ground coffee into the French press.

6. Bloom the Coffee

  • Pour a small amount of hot water over the grounds, just enough to saturate them (about double the weight of the coffee). Let it sit for 30 seconds to allow the coffee to "bloom" and release trapped gases.

7. Add Remaining Water

  • Pour the rest of the water over the grounds, filling the French press to the desired level.

8. Stir

  • Stir gently to ensure all grounds are evenly saturated.

9. Brew

  • Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled up. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes.

10. Plunge

  • After 4 minutes, press the plunger down slowly and steadily to separate the grounds from the liquid.

11. Serve Immediately

  • Pour the coffee into your cup(s) or a carafe to avoid over-extraction, which can make the coffee bitter.

Tips for the Best French Press Coffee

  • Use Fresh Beans: Freshly roasted coffee beans yield the best flavour.
  • Filtered Water: Improves the taste by reducing impurities.
  • Clean the French Press: Ensure no leftover coffee oils or grounds remain from previous use.
  • Experiment: Adjust grind size, coffee-to-water ratio, and steeping time to suit your taste.

Enjoy your perfectly brewed French press coffee! ☕