I love coffee, and I love using a French Press—but for the longest time I could never get it quite right. Here’s what you need to know to make the perfect French press coffee.
Step #1 Fresh Grind Your Coffee Beans Daily
It really only takes an extra minute to grind your beans, and is totally worth it. Try it once and the improved flavor profile will have you convinced! Add your desired ground beans to your French press—which is one heaping tablespoon per 8 ounces of water.
Step #2 Heat Your Water
Heat your water to a simmer, or to 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. For best flavor use bottled water.
Step #3 Bloom Your Coffee
Set a timer for 4 ½ minutes. Add just enough water to cover your coffee, and let it “bloom” for 30 seconds. This will release the carbon dioxide which creates a bitter taste.
Step#4 Steep Your Coffee
Add the remaining portion of water to your French press, stir the grounds, and let steep for the remaining 4 minutes.
Step #5 Plunge
Slowly and evenly plunge your coffee.
Step #6 Pour
Even if you aren’t going to drink your coffee ASAP, pour it in into a cup, travel mug, or carafe so that it doesn’t overstep—which leads to bitter tasting coffee. If you find that a few too many coffee grounds make it into your coffee, invest in a new press—or leave an inch or so in the press when you pour.
Step #7 Rinse And Clean
Rinse your plunger, but be careful not to bend the screen while washing. It’s easier to clean if you take it apart. Once a week soak in a solution of 50/50 water and vinegar.
Step #8 Enjoy Your Java!
Now you can enjoy your perfect French press coffee!
Bonus Tip: you can also steep loose leaf tea, and even tea bags in your French press. No need to bloom, just make sure you know the suggested steep time for your tea blend.
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