We invite you to learn about the history of the French press
There are those who prefer to make delicious coffee without the need to use electrical appliances. They even exclude filters (paper or cloth) from the preparation. We know what's going through your head: What method is used? The favorite candidate is the popular french press, or plunger coffee maker as it is also known in the coffee world.
In addition to being a sustainable preparation mode, It is also characterized by providing a intense and aromatic coffee. This without overlooking that it results quite affordable for any pocket, so it becomes much more interesting for consumers.
Just as today we can find countless patents, models, sizes and names, we will also find numerous stories related to its origins. That is why we will focus on sharing the most accurate versions of one of the most effective devices when it comes to making a good cup.
What is the true origin of the French press?
The first model of this brewing technique was to not seal a jar completely. Therefore, It has no similarity with the design we know at present. This innovation was patented by the French Mayer and Delforge, in 1852. Now, by 1929, the Italians Attilio Calimani and Giulio Moneta, patented a French press very similar to the current model.
The swiss Faliero Bondanini, was responsible for launching and patenting the most successful design in 1958. In fact, in France (the country where it was manufactured) it was known under the name 'Chambord'. The popularity of that device in France was what gave the coffee maker its French identity.
Subsequently, Bondanini decided to conquer the UK market with its Chambord, as 'The classic coffee maker'. Some time later, the renowned Bodum company became the official distributor of Chambord in Denmark, and then acquired the rights to his name and those of the company.
However, ‘La Cafetiere’ continued to belong to its original owners. Unfortunately, currently Bodum and La Cafetiere had legal conflicts, resulting in a war over control of markets outside Europe. They also had other problems related to design patents.
But is it of French or Italian origin? This is an answer that is still the subject of debate. It is a bit difficult to determine the origin of the French press. But this does not prevent us from all agreeing that it is one of the simplest and most effective preparation methods when it comes to making good coffee. Of course, as long as you know how to use it properly.
What is a French press and what is it for?
It is possible that, among such a variety of coffee makers, it will be somewhat difficult for you to differentiate them. But the french press It is one of the easiest to identify since it is a complete immersion device, with a metal mesh filter.
The latter is responsible for providing a viscous extraction, with a lot of body and an increase in texture. It is because most of the oils remain in the final extraction, as well as fewer coffee particles.
If you are someone who enjoys the gritty feel in your cup, then the French press is the right choice. The result is a coffee with body and intense flavor.
Having the ability to control each factor during the preparation of the drink, such as: grinding, water temperature and extraction time, will be a plus to adjust the coffee to your preferences.
Preparing it correctly will allow us to fully enjoy the nuances of the aroma and the characteristic flavors of the coffee you use.
How does the French press work? We teach you how to use it
Now that we're done with the theory, it's time to get into practice. And, shortly, we will teach you how to use the French press and not die trying. Therefore, we will reveal to you what are those points that we must take into account when you are going to prepare your coffee.
Grinding for French press, what kind of coffee do you need?
It is essential to use the appropriate size to achieve optimal results. To do this, we recommend using a conical grinding mill, and not one with blades, because this is how the grains will move much better and avoid over-extraction.
That said, choose one of our quality coffee beans to grind it instantly and enjoy an exquisite coffee. The grind that we should place in our French press it should be quite thick, similar to the granules we see in sand. If you think this could be a problem, well, it turns out to be quite the opposite.
An interesting fact about metal filter coffee makers is that, in general, some fine particles of coffee are always filtered out, giving an excessively sandy cup.
Amount of coffee for French press
Putting the correct dose is one of the simplest things. The trick is the milliliters of water, divided by the milliliters of coffee you are going to prepare. That is, the most common is 1:15 (15 grams of ground coffee) per 225 ml of water.
It is advisable to start with this dose, and later, add more coffee or add less water to adjust it and find the preparation that best suits your tastes.
Control water temperature
This is one of the essential factors, which can be experienced depending on the flavor. The first step consists of heat the water for about 45 seconds, until it reaches the boiling point, so that it can reach the 90°C (195°F).
If you want to control the water temperature more accurately, We advise you to use a gooseneck or swan neck teapot.
Extraction time for French press
In Incapto We advise you on an ideal extraction time between 3 and 5 minutes. If you use a dark roast coffee, don't go over 5 minutes. But if it is a light roast, 3 minutes is usually not enough.
The appropriate extraction point would be 4 minutes.
Extraction process, how long should you leave coffee in the French press?
The time has come to add the ground coffee to the preheated jug. Then, proceed to slowly add the water, trying to moisten all the particles. Place twice as much water as coffee, for pre-infusion. For example, add 15 grams of coffee, along with 30 grams of water.
We recommend you mix subtly and after 30 seconds, add the rest of the water and put the plunger in the jug (try not to lower it). Leave it on for about 4 minutes, and finally lower the plunger to the bottom slowly and delicately.
Now, start pouring the drink very carefully (without stirring the coffee left on top).
As you will see, the French press is one of the most sustainable preparation methods. This without overlooking that it is capable of providing an exquisite cup of coffee, which feels wonderful to start our day on the right foot.
If you have one at home and you don't use it much, we invite you to try it and play a little with the variants explained above. Become an expert and surprise your loved ones.
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