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French Press (Plunger) Brewing Guide

Brewing coffee with a French press is a delightful and straightforward process. 

Follow these simple steps for a rich and flavourful cup of coffee:

Ingredients:

Coarsely ground coffee beans

Hot water just off the boil

Equipment:

French press

Stirring utensil

Timer

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prepare the Coffee Beans:

Use high-quality, coarsely ground coffee beans. Aim for a medium to coarse grind to prevent over-extraction during brewing.

Measure Coffee:

Use 16 grams of coffee grounds for every 250 grams of water.

Boil Water:

Heat water to just below boiling, around 93°C. This temperature ensures optimal extraction without scalding the coffee.

Preheat the French Press:

Pour a small amount of hot water into the French press to preheat it. Swirl the water around and then discard it.

Add Coffee Grounds:

Place the coarsely ground coffee into the preheated French press.

Pour Hot Water:

Slowly pour the hot water over the coffee grounds, ensuring all the grounds are saturated. Start with a small amount and allow the coffee to bloom for about 30 seconds.

Stir and Let Bloom:

Gently stir the coffee-water mixture with a wooden or plastic utensil to ensure even saturation. Allow the coffee to bloom for another 30 seconds.

Add Remaining Water:

Pour the remaining hot water into the French press. Place the lid on the press with the plunger pulled all the way up.

Steep:

Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes. Adjust the steeping time based on your preference for a stronger or milder brew.

Plunge:

After the steeping time, slowly press the plunger down. Apply even pressure to avoid over-extraction.

Serve:

Pour the freshly brewed coffee into your favourite mug and enjoy! Add milk, cream, sugar, or any other desired additions to suit your taste.

Now, you’re ready to savour a delicious cup of French press coffee. 

(Experiment with every part of this basic recipe to find the perfect brew for your palate.)