How to make cafetiere coffee
Equipment and Ingredients
Kettle
Scale
Timer
Hot water (off the boil, around 93-96°C or 200-205°F)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Measure and Grind the Coffee:
Weigh out your coffee beans. A common ratio is 1:15 coffee to water. For example, use 30 grams of coffee for 450 ml (grams) of water.
Grind the coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Boil Water:
Bring water to a boil and then let it cool slightly to around 93-96°C (200-205°F).
Step 3: Preheat the French Press:
Pour some hot water into the French press to preheat it. Swirl the water around and then discard it.
Step 4: Add Coffee Grounds:
Place the coarse ground coffee into the preheated French press.
Step 5: First Pour:
Start your timer and pour in a small amount of hot water, just enough to saturate the grounds (about 60-70 ml). This is called the bloom and allows the coffee to degas. Let it sit for 30 seconds.
Step 6: Complete the Pour:
After the bloom, pour the remaining water in a steady, circular motion to ensure all the grounds are evenly saturated. Pour up to your desired total water volume.
Step 7: Stir and Steep:
Give the coffee a gentle stir with a spoon to break the crust that forms on the surface.
Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled up and let it steep for 4 minutes.
Step 8: Plunge:
After 4 minutes, slowly press the plunger down, applying steady pressure. Take care not to press too quickly, as this can agitate the grounds and make the coffee bitter.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy:
Once the plunger is fully pressed down, pour the coffee into your cup immediately to prevent over-extraction.
Enjoy your freshly brewed French press coffee.
TIPS FOR A GREAT BREW
Consistent Grind:
Ensure your coffee grounds are uniformly coarse to promote even extraction and prevent sediment in your cup.
Water Temperature:
Use water that is just off the boil to avoid scorching the coffee.
Steady Plunging:
Press the plunger slowly and steadily to avoid agitating the grounds.
Adjust Ratios and Time:
Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time to find your preferred taste. A longer steeping time will result in a stronger brew, while a shorter time will yield a milder flavor.
By following these steps and experimenting with different variables, you can perfect your French press coffee technique to suit your taste preferences.
