The French Press Lore
The French press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, is a popular brewing method for coffee alchemists. While the exact lore of the French press are not entirely clear, the device as we know it today was likely developed in France in the mid-19th century.
One popular story behind the invention of the French press involves a Frenchman named Mayer and a British man named Biggin. Mayer supposedly invented a metal coffee pot with a plunger and mesh filter, while Biggin added the concept of using a second screen to filter out more grounds. However, there is little evidence of the truth behind this story. Another theory is that the French press was first developed in Italy in the 1920s. The design was later improved upon by a Frenchman named Faliero Bondanini, who patented his own version of the French press in 1958.
Regardless of its origins, the French press has become a beloved brewing method for many home brewers. Its simplicity allows for the full flavor of the coffee to shine through, and the device itself has a certain charm.
Whether you believe in the lore surrounding the French press or simply appreciate its simplicity and delicious coffee, it remains a beloved brewing method for coffee lovers around the world. So, let's chat a bit about our personal French press brewing method!
Folkcraft Home Brewing Guides | French Press
French Press Brewing Guide
What You Will Need:
Kettle Coffee Grinder
Scale
French Press pot
Whole Beans
The Process
First, get your kettle started.
Then begin by weighing out your whole beans. In this video, we use a 1:12 ratio with 30 grams of coffee beans and 350 grams of hot water for a 12 oz. pour.
After weighing your coffee beans, grind it on a coarse setting. The reason for this is that a coarse grind allows the coffee to be steeped in water for a longer period of time without becoming over-extracted. A coarse grind also allows the coffee to retain more of its natural oils and flavors, resulting in a fuller-bodied and more flavorful cup of coffee. This is because the larger pieces of coffee are able to release their flavor more slowly over the longer brewing time. When using a French press, it's important to use a burr grinder to ensure a consistent grind size. Blade grinders can create an uneven grind, which can lead to over-extraction and an unpleasant flavor.
Once you have the coffee ground, place it into the French press. This is an opportunity for my magical folks to include any other spices, herbs, or even dried fruit that correspond with a specific intention you'd like to bring forth throughout the day.
Your kettle should be ready by now at about 200 degrees F. Gently pour about 60 grams of water into your coffee grounds to bloom. This process allows for oxygen to be released from the coffee — essentially waking them up — which will allow for a fuller, more flavorful cup. Allow about 30 seconds for this process.
Then, pour the remaining grams of water until you have a total of 350 grams. Allow to brew for 4 minutes, unless a stronger taste is desired.
Now you're ready to pour and enjoy!
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