Making French Press: A Classic Brew with History

History Snapshot: The French press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, has a history dating back to the late 19th century. It's a brewing method that remains popular for its simplicity and ability to produce a rich and full-bodied cup of coffee.

Equipment Needed:

• French press
• Coffee beans (coarsely ground)
• Hot water (just off boiling)
• Stirring utensil
• Timer

Ingredients:

• Coarsely ground coffee: 1 cup (8 ounces)
• Hot water: 4 cups (32 ounces)

Steps:

1. Measure Coffee: Use coarsely ground coffee beans. For 4 cups, measure out 1 cup of coffee (approximately 8 ounces).
2. Boil Water: Heat 4 cups (32 ounces) of water until it's just off boiling.
3. Add Coffee to French Press: Place the coarsely ground coffee into the French press.
4. Pour Water: Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds, ensuring all grounds are saturated. Stir the coffee-water mixture gently.
5. Steep: Place the lid on the French press and let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes.
6. Press the Plunger: After steeping, slowly press down the plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.
7. Pour and Enjoy: Pour the brewed coffee into your mug and savor the rich and full-bodied flavor of your French press brew.

Importance of Coarse Ground Coffee:

Using coarse ground coffee is crucial for French press brewing. It allows for proper extraction, resulting in a fuller flavor and prevents over-extraction, which can lead to bitterness.

Measurements for 4 Cups:

• Coarsely ground coffee: 1 cup (8 ounces)
• Hot water: 4 cups (32 ounces)

Experience the delightful richness of French press coffee with this simple and rewarding method!