very flavourful and improves the taste of coffee, but it is lost during the
normal filtered brewing process. Coffee made with a French press doesn't pass
through a filter so you don't lose those natural aromatic coffee oils. Most
coffee lover's agree that a French press makes a superior cup of coffee.
A French press (sometimes called a coffee press) is usually a glass cylinder
with a plumber like device inside. You place your coffee grinds inside and pour
hot water into it. The water should not be boiling or you will scald your
grinds, which will affect the taste. 200 degree water is the optimum temperature
for a fine cup of coffee. If you're using a kettle to heat your water, remove it
from the heat before if starts whistling. Either that or you can let the water
boil but let it sit for a few minutes before pouring it into your coffee press.
Remember to leave at least an inch of space when filling up the French press.
Coffee beans that are ground too finely will clog the filter. You will probably
be okay with automatic drip coffee grinds but the best way to enjoy French press
coffee is to grind the beans yourself. Try to grind the beans to a size a little
bigger than automatic drip coffee grinds. This may take some practice to get
comfortable with your coffee grinder but it's worth it. And remember that once
you grind your coffee beans they should be used immediately or kept in an air
tight container to keep them from getting stale.
Let the coffee steep in the water for about 4 minutes. Now it's time for the
press part of the French press. Place the French press on a no slip surface and
slowly and smoothly press the plunger down. Press too hard or too quickly and in
a worst case scenario, you could have boiling hot water shoot out all over you.
This step is how the coffee grinds are forced to the bottom of the container and
you're left with delicious fresh brewed coffee in the top chamber. You are now
ready to pour and serve.
The French press has undergone a makeover in recent years. Manufacturers have
added French presses to travel mugs and thermoses. As long as you have hot water
you can make a fresh brewed cup of coffee anywhere. And most of these travel
mugs and thermoses are insulated so that your coffee will stay warm longer.
With coffee becoming such an important part of most people's days, isn't it time
that we pampered ourselves with a better tasting brew. The French press is an
easy and flavourful way to make a cup of coffee. So if you're tired of the brown
water that comes out of coffee vending machines in your office, then the French
press is perfect for you.