Coffee is a drink that is loved the world over, but there are glaring differences in quality, much of which comes in the way in which it is prepared. Instant coffee may be quick, but it tends to be bland, whereas brewed coffee will yield a better flavor, but is still missing something, which many believe gets lost in the paper filter. Coffee lovers and connoisseurs all claim that the French press coffee recipe is the key to a perfect cup of coffee, and its growing popularity in places other than Europe may very well back up that claim.
Using a coffee press is almost like the perfect union between instant and brewed coffee, except the flavor is much more robust, and nothing gets lost in the brewing process. If you have no idea how to make French press coffee, then here are the steps that are involved.
How To Make French Press Coffee
It all begins with your coffee selection, with many believing that dark roasted beans are the best choice for a French press. Those will then have to ground into large, coarse pieces which will be placed into the coffee press, measuring out one rounded tablespoon per cup of coffee.
The next step is to add the hot water, but it is recommended that the water is boiled before the grinding process, as this will allow it time to cool off somewhat before adding. This will ensure that the coffee grinds are not scalded by the boiling water, which can lead to a loss of flavor.
When the water and coffee are mixed, you will notice that a large number of the grinds will float to the top. This is normal, and by stirring the mixture with chopsticks, which are perfect because they are long enough to reach the bottom of the pot, you will send the grinds back to the bottom, where they should be left to steep for 2-4 minutes, depending on the size of your pot.
Once the steeping process is done, it’s time to add the filter assembly, and then slowly and smoothly press the plunger to the bottom of the pot. Make sure to keep the plunger straight when completing this step, as pushing it down at an angle may mean that some of the grinds will make their way to the top of the pot. Open the pouring spout and serve your coffee, and that’s it, an incredibly simple process that, when done properly, will yield a fantastic cup of coffee.
One quick thing to mention when it come to the French press coffee recipe, is that you should only make the amount that you are going to drink immediately. Allowing the coffee to sit in the press for too long can result in a bitterness that may be too much for even the most daring of coffee drinkers. If you want to enjoy your French press coffee later in the day, then pouring it into an insulated travel mug will do the trick.