French Press Coffee

A french press offers the richest tasting coffee of any brewing technique.

When you use a french press you use courser grind then when you use an espresso machine or regular coffe maker. That course grind transmit to the brew. It's sharper, more distinct, and you get more of the flavor from the bean. First, coffee made with this method is richer as it contains more oils from the grounds. These are the same oils that are somewhat lost in the process of automatic drip machines and their paper filters. And, unlike machines with metallic filters, the action of pressing the grounds against the plunger's screen also aids in coffee extraction.

The french press works by steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water. The temperature of the water is very important. Coffee can be easily burnt if given the proper conditions. Therefore, when using this method of coffee brewing, bring water up to a slow boil and then down again. Water boils at 212°F and water 20 degrees below boiling will work well. Pour the heated water over the grounds and let it sit for roughly four minutes. You can experiment with brewing time; the longer it brews the stronger the coffee. The final step displays the origins of the name "french press." When ready, slowly press the plunger down, filtering the coffee. The coffee has been made and is now ready to be served.

Never reuse your coffee grounds. Once brewed, the desirable coffee flavors have been extracted and only the bitter undesirable ones are left.

A finely prepared cup of coffee should be enjoyed as thoughtfully as it was brewed. Take a moment to smell the aroma. Take a sip and notice your coffee's flavor. How does it compare to other coffees with regard to body, acidity and balance? If it is a coffee that is new to you, notice how it is different. If it is what you normally drink, note its degree of freshness or how simple changes in preparation affect the cup's flavor.

How to use a French Press

	Place french press on a dry, flat, non-slip surface. Hold handle firmly, then pull the plunger unit straight up and out of the french press.
	For each 1.25 dl/4 oz. cup, put 1 rounded tablespoon of coarse ground coffee into the pot. CAUTION: Use only coarse ground coffee. Fine grind can clog the filter and create high pressure. Place the french press on a heat proof, non-slip surface.
	Pour hot (not boiling) water into the pot. Leave a minimum of 2.5 cm/1 inch of space at the top. Stir the brew with a plastic spoon. CAUTION: Metal spoons can scratch or chip the glass beaker and cause breakage.
	Place the plunger unit on top of the pot. Turn the lid to close off the pour spout opening. DO NOT PRESS DOWN. Let the coffee brew for at least 4 minutes.
	Hold the french press handle firmly with the spout turned away from you, then using just the weight of your hand, apply slight pressure on top of the knob to lower the plunger straight down into the french press. Lowering the plunger slowly with minimal pressure produces best results. If the filter clogs or it becomes difficult to push down the plunger you should remove the plunger from the pot, stir the brew and then slowly plunge again. WARNING: Using excessive force can cause scalding liquid to shoot out of the pot.
	Turn the lid to open the pour spout and then pour the coffee.