Yields: Varies based on French press size (this recipe is a good starting point for a 3-4 cup / ~1 liter press) Prep time: 2 minutes Brew time: 4-8 minutes (depending on preference and technique)

Ingredients & Equipment:

Coffee: Whole beans, to be freshly ground

Water: Filtered water is recommended for the best taste

French press

Burr grinder: Essential for a consistent, coarse grind

Kettle: To heat water

Digital scale: For accurate measurements (coffee and water)

Timer: To monitor bloom and steep time

Mug or carafe: To serve into

Key Parameters:

Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A common starting point is a 1:15 ratio (1 gram of coffee to 15 grams/milliliters of water). Some prefer a slightly stronger ratio like 1:12 or 1:14 for French press. For a 1-liter press (1000g of water), this would mean around 67 grams of coffee for a 1:15 ratio. Adjust to your personal taste.

Grind Size: This is crucial for French press. You need a coarse and consistent grind, similar in texture to breadcrumbs or coarse sea salt. If the grind is too fine, you'll get a muddy, over-extracted brew with sediment in your cup.

Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature is 195-205°F (90-96°C). If your kettle doesn't have a temperature setting, bring the water to a boil and let it sit for about 30 seconds to a minute before pouring. Some recommend slightly lower temperatures (around 200°F or 93°C) for French press, especially for darker roasts, to avoid bitterness.

Steep Time: A total steep time of 4 minutes is a widely accepted standard. However, some methods, like the James Hoffmann technique, involve longer steep times (up to 6-8 minutes or even longer) after an initial bloom and stir, often with the intention of letting all grounds settle before pressing.

Instructions:

Heat Water: Heat your filtered water to the desired temperature (195-205°F or 90-96°C).

Preheat the Press (Optional but Recommended): While the water is heating, pour some hot water into your empty French press. Swirl it around to warm the glass or metal, then discard the water. This helps maintain a more stable brewing temperature.

Grind Your Coffee: Weigh your whole beans according to your chosen ratio and grind them to a coarse consistency.

Add Coffee Grounds: Add the freshly ground coffee to the empty, preheated French press. Give it a gentle shake to level the grounds.

The Bloom (First Pour): Place the French press on your scale and tare it to zero. Once your water is at the correct temperature, start your timer and pour about twice the amount of water as coffee (e.g., if you have 50g of coffee, pour 100g of water) evenly over the grounds, ensuring all grounds are saturated. You'll see the coffee "bloom" as it releases CO2. Let it sit for 30-45 seconds.

Stir (Optional, but often recommended): Some methods suggest a gentle stir at this point (around the 30-45 second mark, or even at 1 minute) to break up the "crust" that forms and ensure all grounds are well-incorporated with the water. Use a wooden or non-metallic spoon to avoid damaging the glass.

Add Remaining Water: After the bloom (and optional stir), pour the remaining hot water into the French press until you reach your desired total water weight.

Place the Lid: Put the lid on the French press, with the plunger pulled all the way up. Ensure the filter is just above the water line, creating a seal to retain heat.

Steep: Standard Method: Let the coffee steep for a total of 4 minutes (including the bloom time). Longer Steep/Hoffmann-inspired Method: After the initial bloom and stir (if done), allow the coffee to steep for a longer period, perhaps another 4-7 minutes. The idea here is that the grounds will naturally settle, leading to a cleaner press.

Press Slowly: Once the steep time is complete, press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Pressing too quickly can agitate the fine particles and lead to a muddier cup. If you encounter significant resistance, you can pull the plunger up slightly and then continue pressing.

Serve Immediately: Once the plunger is fully pressed, pour the coffee into your mug(s) or a separate carafe immediately. Leaving the coffee in the French press with the grounds will cause it to continue extracting and become bitter.

*Adjust and Experiment: Taste your coffee. Too weak? Try a finer grind (but not too fine!), a longer steep time, or more coffee. Too bitter? Try a coarser grind, a shorter steep time, or slightly cooler water. The beauty of French press is its adaptability. Don't be afraid to tweak the variables until you find your perfect cup.

Tips for Success:

Freshness is Paramount: Use freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them just before brewing.

Water Quality: Good quality water makes a significant difference.

Cleanliness: Clean your French press thoroughly after each use. Disassemble the filter components to remove trapped grounds and oils, which can turn rancid and affect future brews.

Consistency: Pay attention to your measurements and timing for repeatable results.

Enjoy your rich and flavorful French press coffee!