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French press: Simple enjoyment for real coffee flavour
Have you ever made coffee with a French press, also known as a plunger pot? This method is uncomplicated and yet delivers a full-bodied coffee that is rich in flavour.
In this description, you will learn everything about the French press, from its history to perfect preparation.
Where does the name French Press come from?
The name 'French Press' is derived from the French origin of this preparation method. The press pot was developed in France back in the 1920s. The principle is simple: coarsely ground coffee is poured with hot water and, after a short brewing time, pressed down through a plunger with an integrated sieve. The result is an aromatic coffee with a strong body.
What ingredients are needed?
You only need a few ingredients to make perfect coffee from the French press: freshly ground coffee and hot water. The amount depends on your taste, but the rule of thumb is 60 to 70 grams of coffee to one litre of water. This simple mix ensures a balanced and flavoursome coffee.
The right cups for perfect coffee from the French press pot
What is the equipment like?
The main tool of the French press is the plunger jug itself, which is available in various sizes and materials, usually made of glass or stainless steel. A coffee grinder is also important to grind the beans fresh and coarsely adjust the grind. You will also need a kettle, ideally with a temperature indicator, to heat the water to around 95 degrees Celsius.
What is the brewing recipe with the French press?
Preparation is child's play: first, pour the coarsely ground coffee into the preheated pot. Then pour in the hot water and stir briefly so that the coffee powder is evenly distributed. Put the lid on with the plunger, but do not press it down yet. After four minutes of brewing, slowly press the plunger down to separate the coffee from the solids. Now your coffee is ready to enjoy!
Here is the detailed brewing recipe:
- Measure and grind the coffee: You need coarsely ground coffee for the French press. The grind should be slightly coarser than for filter coffee, like coarse sea salt. As a guide, we recommend 60 to 70 grams of coffee per litre of water. If you brew less coffee, you can adjust the quantity accordingly (e.g. 30 to 35 grams for 500 ml of water).
- Heating water: Heat the water to around 95 degrees Celsius. If your kettle does not have a temperature indicator, leave the water to stand for about 30 seconds after boiling before pouring it on. This temperature is ideal for extracting the flavours of the coffee without burning it.
- Brewing coffee: Pour the ground coffee into the preheated French press. Pour about a third of the hot water over the ground coffee and stir gently to moisten all the grounds. This is called "blooming" and helps to release the full flavour of the coffee. Wait around 30 seconds before adding the rest of the water.
- Note the brewing time: Place the lid on the French press, but do not press the plunger down yet. Now leave the coffee to infuse for 4 minutes. This brewing time is crucial for the flavour: shorter times produce a milder coffee, longer times a stronger one. During this time, the coarse particles sink to the bottom and the coffee develops its flavours.
- Press the plunger down slowly: After 4 minutes, press the plunger down slowly and evenly. Do not apply too much pressure to prevent fine particles from being pushed through the sieve. The plunger separates the coffee powder from the brewed coffee and stops the extraction process.
- Serve coffee immediately: Pour the coffee into cups or a pre-heated pot immediately after pressing down the plunger to keep it warm for longer. If you leave the coffee in the French press for too long, it can become bitter as the extraction continues.
With this detailed brewing recipe, you can get the best out of your French Press and enjoy a coffee that is rich in flavour and perfectly balanced.
How does French press coffee taste compared to filter coffee or coffee from a portafilter machine?
Coffee from the French press has a full, intense flavour, as the coffee particles "float" in the water and more flavours are extracted. Compared to filter coffee, which is filtered through paper, the natural oils and fats of the coffee remain in the drink, which makes for a richer mouthfeel. In contrast to espresso from a portafilter machine, which is more concentrated and stronger, the French press offers a softer and rounder flavour.
What accessories do I need?
In addition to the French press itself and a coffee grinder, you will need a kettle to bring the water to the right temperature. A timer will help you to keep to the exact brewing time. If you want to serve your coffee in style, we recommend using a pre-heated coffee pot to transfer the finished coffee from the French press and keep it warm for longer.
With these simple steps and the right equipment, you can make excellent coffee at home in no time at all. The French press is not only practical, it also brings out the full flavour of your coffee.