French press coffee is better because it allows you to control the brewing process, extract more flavor and aroma from the coffee grounds, and enjoy a richer and fuller cup of coffee. If you are a coffee lover who appreciates the quality and taste of your brew, you might want to consider using a French press instead of a drip machine or a pod. In this article, we will explain the benefits of French press coffee and how to make it at home.
French press coffee, also known as press pot or plunger pot, is a method of brewing coffee that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in hot water for several minutes, then pressing down a metal filter to separate the coffee from the grounds. The French press was invented in France in the 19th century and became popular in Europe and America in the 20th century.
How to Make French Press Coffee?
Making French press coffee is simple and easy. All you need is a French press, a kettle, a grinder, a scale, a timer, and of course, some coffee beans. Here are the basic steps to follow:
Boil some water in a kettle and let it cool slightly to about 195°F (91°C).
Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. You will need about 15 grams of coffee per 8 ounces of water, or a 1:15 ratio. You can adjust this according to your preference and the strength of your coffee.
Place the ground coffee in the French press and pour some hot water over it to wet the grounds. This is called blooming and it helps to release the gases and oils from the coffee.
After about 30 seconds, pour the rest of the water over the coffee and stir gently to mix the grounds and the water.
Place the lid on the French press and set a timer for 4 minutes. This is the optimal brewing time for French press coffee, but you can experiment with different times to find your ideal taste.
When the timer goes off, press down the plunger slowly and evenly to filter the coffee and stop the extraction process.
There are several reasons why French press coffee is better than other brewing methods. Here are some of the main advantages of French press coffee:
You have more control over the brewing process. You can choose the amount of coffee, the water temperature, the steeping time, and the pressure to suit your taste and preference. You can also adjust these variables to bring out different flavors and aromas from different types of coffee beans.
You extract more flavor and aroma from the coffee grounds. The French press does not use paper filters, which can absorb some of the essential oils and compounds from the coffee. The metal filter allows more of these substances to pass through and infuse the water, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee.
You enjoy a richer and fuller cup of coffee. The French press produces a more full-bodied and textured coffee, with a thicker mouthfeel and a more complex taste. The coffee also contains more oils and sediments, which add to the richness and depth of the coffee. Some people may find this too strong or bitter, but others may appreciate the intensity and character of the coffee.
Conclusion
French press coffee is a great way to enjoy a high-quality and delicious cup of coffee at home. It is easy to make, requires minimal equipment, and gives you more control and flexibility over the brewing process. It also allows you to extract more flavor and aroma from the coffee grounds, and enjoy a richer and fuller cup of coffee. If you are looking for a better coffee experience, you might want to give French press coffee a try. You might be surprised by how much difference it can make to your coffee routine.
