French press

The French press, also known as a press pot, coffee press, or plunger pot, is a popular and simple method for brewing coffee. Here’s how to use a French press to make delicious coffee:

1. Grind Coffee Beans: Start by grinding fresh, coarse coffee beans. The grind size should be relatively coarse to prevent sediment from passing through the mesh filter.
2. Preheat the French Press: Before adding the coffee grounds, preheat the French press by rinsing it with hot water. This helps maintain the temperature of the coffee during brewing.
3. Add Coffee Grounds: Remove the lid and plunger from the French press. Add the desired amount of coffee grounds to the bottom of the pot. The general ratio is one tablespoon of coffee grounds per 4 ounces (120 ml) of water, but you can adjust this to suit your taste preferences.
4. Pour Hot Water: Heat water to just below boiling (about 200°F or 93°C) and pour it over the coffee grounds in the French press. Use a circular motion to ensure all the grounds are saturated with water. Fill the French press to the desired level, leaving at least an inch of space at the top to prevent overflow.
5. Stir: Use a long-handled spoon or stir stick to gently stir the coffee grounds and water together. This helps ensure even extraction of flavors.
6. Steep: Place the lid and plunger on the French press but do not press down yet. Allow the coffee to steep for about 4 minutes. Adjust the steeping time according to your taste preferences—longer steeping times will result in stronger, more robust coffee.
7. Press the Plunger: After the steeping time is complete, slowly press down the plunger with even pressure. This separates the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee, trapping them at the bottom of the French press.
8. Pour and Enjoy: Once the plunger is fully pressed down, pour the freshly brewed coffee into cups or mugs and enjoy! French press coffee has a rich, full-bodied flavor with natural oils and sediment that add depth to the brew.