The French press is a classic and simple method for brewing a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee. Follow this step-by-step guide to perfect your French press brewing technique.

Equipment Needed:

• French press
• Burr grinder
• Digital scale
• Kettle
• Timer
• Stirring utensil (e.g., wooden or plastic spoon)

Ingredients:

• Coffee beans: 60 grams (about 8 tablespoons)
• Water: 900 grams (about 32 ounces), just off the boil (around 200°F or 93°C)

Step-by-Step Brewing Process:

1. Choose Fresh, High-Quality Beans:

   • Select freshly roasted coffee beans, ideally used within two weeks of their roast date for the best flavor.

2. Measure and Grind Your Coffee:

   • Weigh 60 grams of coffee beans using a digital scale.
   • Grind the beans to a coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. A consistent grind size ensures even extraction and prevents over-extraction.

3. Preheat Your French Press:

   • Add hot water to the French press to preheat it. This helps maintain the brewing temperature. Discard the preheating water before adding the coffee grounds.

4. Add Coffee Grounds:

   • Place the coarsely ground coffee into the French press.

5. Boil and Add Water:

   • Boil water and let it cool slightly to about 200°F (93°C).
   • Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds, ensuring all grounds are saturated. Start by adding a small amount of water to bloom the coffee, which releases gases and enhances flavor. After 30 seconds, pour the remaining water to reach 900 grams.

6. Stir and Steep:

   • Stir the coffee and water mixture with a wooden or plastic spoon to ensure all grounds are fully immersed.
   • Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled all the way up.
   • Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. For a stronger cup, you can extend the steeping time to 5 minutes.

7. Plunge and Serve:

   • After the steeping time, press the plunger down slowly and evenly to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee.
   • Pour the coffee immediately into your cup or a serving carafe to prevent over-extraction.

8. Clean Your French Press:

   • Discard the coffee grounds and rinse the French press thoroughly. Clean it after each use to maintain the quality of your brews.

Tips for the Perfect French Press Coffee:

• Bean Freshness: Store your beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh longer.
• Grind Consistency: Use a burr grinder for a consistent coarse grind. Avoid using blade grinders, which can produce uneven particles and affect extraction.
• Water Quality: Use filtered water to avoid any off-flavors from tap water. The quality of water significantly impacts the taste of your coffee.
• Adjust to Taste: Experiment with the coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time to find your preferred strength and flavor. Common ratios are 1:15 (coffee to water) for a standard brew and 1:14 or 1:16 for a stronger or milder cup, respectively.
• Serve Immediately: Pour the coffee immediately after plunging to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.