-
Introduction
The Press Pot (aka French Press) truly makes an exceptional cup of coffee when used correctly. For perfect preparation you will need: a press pot, coffee grinder (pref. burr grinder), measuring device for coffee, hot water, timer, spoon and of course a cup.
-
Step 1: Grind Your Coffee
Using fresh ground coffee is your first step to a perfect cup of coffee. Try to get your hands on a quality burr (rather than blade) grinder. Using a burr grinder will ensure uniform ground coffee with consistency. When grinding your coffee for a press pots it is important to use a coarse grind; the equivalent of coarse sea salt. Fine ground coffee will cause heavy sedimentation in your cup as well as increase your chances of over extraction.
-
Step 2: Add Coffee to Pot
Add one tablespoon (7 grams) for every 5oz cup of water. For example if you are using a 8 cup press pot using a total of 56 grams of coffee and 40oz. of water.
-
Step 3: Add Water
Bring water to a boil. Once boiling remove from heat and set aside for 30 seconds, perfect brewing temp is 202 degrees. Once ready add water vigorously to press pot making sure to saturate coffee evenly. When using fresh coffee you will notice a blooming affect in the coffee. This expansion occurs as CO2 gasses release from the coffee shortly after adding water.
-
Step 4: Watch the Clock
Using a stop watch or timer, count down from 4 minutes. To ensure perfect coffee you must be careful not to over or under extract the coffee.
-
Step 5: Get a Spoon and Stir
After 1 minute of steeping agitate coffee by stirring for 5-10 seconds. You may notice that after breaking the crust (coffee bloom) the coffee level may drop. If this occurs add enough water to bring to beginning level; if you are using a Bodum press pot optimal is at in the middle of the top steel rim.
-
Step 6: Put a Lid on it
Ok so, we are just about at the 4 minute mark. Insert the press assembly into press, make sure spout is lined up with pour grid in top.
-
Step 7: Extraction Time
At exactly 4 minutes, push press rod downward using a slow steady stream of pressure. Total time to suppress rod should take 20-25 seconds.
-
Step 8: Stop
Wait 30 second. This helps to allow the remaining coffee sediment to settle to the bottom of the pot.
-
Step 9: Pour
The Coffee is ready to pour. If not using all of coffee at once it is best to transfer to a thermal carafe as coffee will become rancid quickly.
