How to Make French Press Coffee

Learning how to make French press coffee requires only the right ingredients and equipment plus a little time and patience. The results are well worth it for java-hounds seeking the ultimate in caffeinated pleasure.

The French press was invented around 1850 but wasn't patented until 1931. A French press coffee maker is a special device that consists of a glass or plastic tube with a lever that pressed the coffee grounds down to the bottom of the pot. You can buy a good French press coffee maker at gourmet stores nationwide or through many online retailers.

There are many different ways to make coffee. The most common method in the United States is the drip brew method. Think of your typical kitchen coffee maker. It consists of a unit, a glass pot, and a filter basket. A paper filter is placed in the basket with the requisite amount of coffee in proportion to the water. Water is super heated and passed through the grinds and filter, flowing into the brown gold known as coffee. Other methods used to make coffee include percolators, which use nearly an identical method but with a metal filter basket in lieu of the paper-lined basket, and stovetop perked coffee that also passes hot water up and over coffee grinds.

Each method of brewing coffee has its pros and cons, as well as its lovers and haters. The key differences between French press coffee and coffee brewed in a typical kitchen machine lie in the filtration used. French press pots press the grounds down through the piping hot water and have a mesh screen that filters out large particles. Some smaller coffee particles along with much of the coffee's essential oils; however, infuse into the beverage giving French press coffee a stronger taste, flavor and feel than traditional drip brewed coffee. With drip-brewed coffee, the paper filters not only catch all those nasty coffee grinds that can ruin a cup of coffee but they also filter out many of the essential oils. Coffee purists insist that this weakens the taste and diminishes a perfect cup of coffee.

Whether you use organic green coffee, Italian blends or other estate coffees, it's fairly easy to learn how to make French press coffee.

You'll need:

• French press coffee maker
• Very hot water
• Coarsely ground coffee of your choice
• Cup

Experts recommend using filtered water to remove potential impurities. Impurities diminish the taste and can add off, metallic flavors to coffee. Another tip to make a great cup of coffee with a French press, is to grind the beans at home. Recently ground coffee beans add a freshness to any cup of coffee but are particularly good for French press coffee. You can more easily control the particle size of the coffee, and it will enhance the flavor even more. Wash out new French press coffee makers before using.

Now that you have the ingredients assembled, heat water to about 190 to 200 degrees. That's just below boiling. Use two level tablespoons of coffee for each six ounces of water added to the French press. Place the coffee in the press according to the directions that came with the press. Add hot water and let stand for two to four minutes. Then gently depress the plunger, pushing the grinds down to the bottom of the press. Pour out the coffee and enjoy! Be sure to clean the press afterwards.

There are some common problems neophytes have in learning how to make French press coffee.

• Bitter coffee: You may not be used to the stronger flavor, or the coffee blend itself may not be to your liking. Try another blend.
• Too strong coffee: French press coffee is likely to taste stronger to you than any other type. It may take some getting used to. If you've given it a try for a few days but still feel the coffee is too strong, shorten the brewing time or use less coffee grounds.
• Grinds in the liquid: Some minor particles do escape the mesh screen at the bottom of the French press. If you feel like you're drinking mud sludge, however, check the grind setting on your coffee bean grinder. Your particle size may be too small. Go for coarse grinds to ensure that the particles are trapped in the little screen.

For more instructions and tips on making French press coffee, see French Press.

Making and enjoying a robust cup of French press coffee shouldn't take very long. So pour yourself some Fresh coffee, fine a pastry, and enjoy your treat.

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