What is French Press?
The French Press, if understood by the name of a brewing tool, is a French-style coffee maker consisting of a glass or metal container, a plunger, and several metal mesh filters. Interestingly, despite its name, this cafetiere is quite hard to find in France, where people prefer other coffee makers.
If understood by the name of brewing method, is an immersion method. With most coffee brewing methods, water flows through the coffee grounds. However, in this method, water and coffee grounds steep together, allowing a more uniform extraction.
French Press is most prevalent in Northern Europe, North America, and Australia, where it seems to embody an “Anglo-Saxon” charm. The name of this coffee maker varies across the world:
- UK and Ireland, it is known as a cafetiere
- North America, it is called a Coffee Press
- Australia, it’s referred to as a Plunger
- Germany, it goes by the names Kaffeebereiter or französische Presse.
History of French Press
In 1852, two Frenchmen, a tinsmith and a merchant, Henri-Otto Mayer and Jacques-Victor Delforge, filed a patent for the earliest version of the French Press. However, this design did not include a watertight seal around the filter disk. Over the decades, it has undergone numerous improvements, and its popularity has spread across Europe and, later, the entire world.
Why Use the French Press Method?
- Bold and Authentic Flavor: This method does not use paper filters, allowing oils and other rich flavors from the coffee beans to remain in the brew, resulting in a more robust cup.
- Ease of Use: Despite its classic appearance, the brewing process is uncomplicated, making it suitable even for beginners.
- Versatility: You can customize the grind size, steeping time, and coffee-to-water ratio to create a cup tailored to your preferences.
Evaluating the Final Product
French Press coffee yields a bolder cup than paper-filter methods, retaining the distinctive flavors of the coffee beans. When brewed correctly, the coffee will have an attractive colour and a lingering aftertaste.
However, due to the presence of some coffee grounds, it might have a slightly gritty texture and a hint of bitterness.
How To Brew a Three-Cup French Press (SCA Guidelines)
Total Time Needed: 5 minutes
Required Tools:
– French Press Size: Three Cup (22-ounce)
– Grinder
– Gram scale
– Timer
– Scoops
– Thermometer
– Gooseneck kettle
Things Needed?
– Coffee: 36 grams, medium-coarse grind
– Water: 660 grams or ml at 200°F / 93.5°C for brewing. Additional hot water at 200°F / 93.5°C for preheating
Steps to Brew a Three-Cup French Press
Step 1 : Preheat
Fill the carafe with hot water to preheat, then discard the water.
Step 2 : Add Coffee
Place 36 grams of coffee into the carafe. Put it on the scale and tare the scale.
Step 3 : Pour Hot Water
Start the timer and pour 540 grams of hot water into the carafe, ensuring all the coffee grounds are thoroughly saturated.
Step 4 : Place Lid
Put the lid on the pot without pressing down the plunger.
Step 5: Stir Coffee
After 2 minutes, remove the lid and gently stir the coffee to ensure all grounds are saturated. Add the remaining 120 grams of hot water.
Step 6: Skim Surface
Use two spoons to skim off the oils and any floating grounds from the top of the brew. This will produce a cleaner cup and stop further extraction. Replace the lid without pressing down the plunger.
Step 7: Press Plunger
At the 4-minute mark, slowly press the plunger down to the bottom of the pot.
Step 8: Serve
Decant the coffee and enjoy your brew!
The Ultimate French Press Technique From James Hoffmann
Limitations of the French Press Method
- Coffee Grounds: Since there is no paper filter, some fine coffee grounds may end up in your cup.
- Requires More Technique: To achieve a perfect cup, consider various factors like grind size, water temperature, and steeping time.
- Waiting Time: The French Press brewing process requires a minimum of 4 minutes of steeping time, making it less ideal for those who need their coffee quickly.
Conclusion
French Press brewing method offers a rewarding experience for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate bold flavors and enjoy a hands-on approach to their brewing. While it demands a bit of technique and patience, the result is a truly satisfying and unforgettable cup of coffee.
Probably it is the most underrated method of brewing coffee. But it is cheap, easy, repeatable, and everyone has one at home. With practice and exploration, you’ll find that brewing with a French Press is both an art and a simple pleasure in everyday life.
