Aug 13 2010
How to Make French Press Coffee
The box is opened and to the bride and groom’s surprise there is a coffee cup inside only it doesn’t quite look like a coffee cup. It has a handle but it also has a rod in the middle and is larger than the typical coffee cup. They smile dutifully and thank the giver all the while wondering what this contraption is and what they are going to do with it, thankfully, the Internet is a mere click away and how to make French press coffee only a Google search away.
This scenario might sound funny but it happens more often than many people would like to admit. Coffee lovers purchase their friends and family members what they think is a thoughtful and useful gift without realizing the recipient may have no idea how to use the press pot and wind up sticking it in a cabinet and forgetting it’s there until it falls out one day while reaching for a dish.
The best way to remedy this situation is to add the instructions on how to make French press coffee when giving a press pot as a gift. The recipient will be thankful and the pot will get used for what its intended for instead of a goldfish bowl or dust collector. The steps are simple and can be printed directly from the Internet or copied using a nice script and laminated to keep them from becoming wet and unreadable in the kitchen. In addition to the basic steps it would be helpful to include some hints and tips to making a better French press coffee and things to avoid.
The following is a good example of the some instructions and helpful hints to include.
7 Steps to Making French Press Coffee
One: Start with coarsely ground coffee. Grind the coffee beans using a burr grinder for a more consistent grind or purchase coffee that specifically states it is for a French press. Grocery store grinders have settings that will grind the coffee to the precise French press texture. Tip: Finely ground coffee can be used to make a richer coffee; however, there will be sediment in the final product that must be allowed to settle to the bottom of the cup.
Two: Use the appropriate amount of coffee. This is typically two tablespoons per serving but can be adjusted to taste. Spread the coffee evenly.
Three: Do not allow the water to over boil; it will lose its oxygen which will ultimately make the coffee have a different taste. It should be added while it is still hot but not boiling.
Four: Pour the water slowly over the coffee grounds to make sure they are fully saturated. Stir with a long spoon or chopstick to mix the coffee well.
Five: Place the lid and plunger assembly in the pot and secure the lid but do not push the plunger down yet.
Six: Allow the coffee to sit and brew for about four minutes. At the end of that time hold the handle of the press pot and push the plunger straight down slowly to capture the coffee grinds underneath the filter. If the plunger does not go totally straight the coffee grounds may escape and contaminate the coffee product.
Seven: Pour the coffee into serving cups. If the coffee grounds continue to sit in the water they will continue to release flavor and make the coffee stronger which can ultimately cause the coffee to be bitter.
Giving a coffee press as a gift is a great idea, if the recipient knows how to use it. In order to make sure the press pots is enjoyed print the steps above and include them with the French press. The recipient will be thankful and enjoy some of the best coffee they have ever had.
-Sharon Chapman