Brewing the Perfect French Press

 

Brewing the Perfect French Press

 

You've got your beans and your French press—now let's get brewing. Follow these simple steps for a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee every time.

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What You'll Need:

 

• Freshly roasted coffee beans: Coarsely ground

• A French press

• Filtered hot water: About 200°F (just off a boil)

• A timer

• A scale (for the best results)

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The Recipe:

 

• Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A good starting point is 1:15. For every 1 gram of coffee, use 15 grams of water. For a standard 3-cup French press, that's about 30g of coffee to 450g of water.

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Instructions:

 

1. Heat Your Water: Bring your water to a boil, then let it cool for about a minute. The ideal temperature is around 200°F. If you pour boiling water directly on the grounds, you can scald them, resulting in a bitter taste.

2. Add Your Coffee: Place your French press on a scale, add your coarsely ground coffee, and zero out the scale. The coarse grind is key to avoiding a sludgy cup.

3. The Bloom: Start your timer and pour just enough hot water to saturate the grounds. Give them a gentle stir with a spoon. You'll see the coffee "bloom," or expand, as the gases escape. This step is crucial for a smooth extraction.

4. Pour and Wait: After about 30 seconds, pour the rest of your hot water in a slow, circular motion. Place the lid on the press, but don't plunge yet.

5. Steep: Let the coffee steep for four minutes. This is the sweet spot for a full and balanced flavor.

6. The Plunge: Once the timer goes off, slowly and steadily press the plunger all the way down. Don't force it—if you meet resistance, back up a little and try again.

7. Serve Immediately: Pour the coffee into your cup as soon as you've finished plunging. If you let it sit in the press, it will continue to brew and can become over-extracted and bitter.

Enjoy your perfect cup!