French press coffee has made a major comeback and is now one of the most popular ways to make coffee. However, it can also be one of the most frustrating ways to make coffee if you don't use the right coffee beans or know how to use a French press machine correctly. With a few basic instructions, the French press coffee maker can be really easy to use. It will also make you a pot of coffee that is more satisfying than a brew from a regular coffee maker.
The art of making French press coffee in a French press coffee maker is actually much simpler and less scary than it appears. Follow these quick step-by-step instructions and you'll soon be an expert at making French press coffee in your very own French press coffee maker.
Buy a Maker that Suits Your Needs
French press coffee makers come in all different sizes and designs. You can buy machines for single cups of coffee, or machines that create many cups of coffee at a time. Choose one that suits your needs and tastes.
Choose the Best Quality Coffee Beans
Just like with any coffee drink, it all starts with the coffee beans you choose. For a French press coffee, you should choose a coffee bean that has been freshly roasted, which means the oils in the coffee will be fresh and make for a much richer cup of coffee.
You should also make sure that your coffee is ground coarsely. In a French press, you need to use coffee that won't pass too easily through the filter. If it does, you'll end up with coffee grounds in your coffee, and that will take away from a rich brew. It's preferable to grind your beans at home as you use them. If this isn't possible and you need to get them ground at the store, buy only as much coffee as you will use in a week (two weeks at the most).
Use Filtered Water
Once you have your equipment and coffee beans ready, it is time to get started brewing your French press coffee. First, make a pot of hot water using filtered water. Tap water may contain particles and minerals that can take away from the overall taste of your brew.
Take the lid off of the French press coffee maker and rinse the glass carafe with hot water. This heats the glass, making for a cup of coffee that will stay hot a little longer.
Making a Cup of French Press Coffee
Put your ground coffee beans in the bottom of the coffee press. Start with one rounded tablespoon for each cup of coffee. Adjust the amount of grounds you use depending on your tastes.
Carefully pour your just-boiled water into your French press and over your coffee, making sure all of the coffee grounds are completely saturated. Once the water (approximately four ounces per cup) is in the French press, stir four or five times with a spoon. This will ensure all of the coffee grounds are completely soaked, so you get the best flavor.
Put the filter assembly on top of the pot and press the lid down firmly. Be careful not to push the plunger down yet, as this needs to stay out of the coffee for two or three minutes while the coffee brews.
After two to three minutes, put one hand carefully on the plunger and use your other hand to hold the French press coffee maker steady. Push the plunger slowly down until it hits about halfway. Be sure that you are pushing the plunger down evenly. If you allow the plunger to go down lopsided, one side of the plunger will separate from the glass and coffee grounds will escape, making your coffee gritty.
Once you hit the halfway point, stop to check that the plunger is still straight. Continue to slowly push down until the plunger is about one inch from the bottom of the French press coffee maker or at least half an inch above the top of the coffee grounds.
Serving Your French Press Coffee
Pour the coffee into mugs, holding onto the lid to prevent any accidents. Enjoy the amazing French press coffee aroma. It's a deeper, more succulent smell than coffee from a regular coffee maker and the taste is richer and less bitter.
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