French Press Brewing

The French press is a simple, classic, and versatile coffee maker that produces a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee. It’s perfect for those who prefer a strong, robust cup of coffee, making it one of the most popular brewing methods among coffee enthusiasts worldwide. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of brewing a cup of our Nicaraguan Mancotal Apanas using a French press.

What You’ll Need

• French Press (8-cup capacity recommended)
• scale and timer
• 50g of freshly ground coffee (coarse)
• 700ml of water heated to 200°F
• Spatula or spoon (preferably wood or plastic)
• Mug or carafe

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat: Heat your water to approximately 200°F. Preheat your French press by filling it with hot water and allowing it to sit for about a minute, then discard the preheat water.
2. Grind Coffee: Grind your coffee beans to a coarse grind size, resembling breadcrumbs or sea salt.
3. Add Grounds: Add the 50g of coarsely ground coffee to the bottom of the preheated French press.
4. Fill and Saturate: Start your timer and pour 700ml of hot water over the coffee grounds, ensuring all grounds are fully saturated.
5. Stir Gently: Stir the mixture gently for about 10 to 15 seconds. This ensures there are no dry clumps and encourages even extraction.
6. Plunge Prep: Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled up completely. Do not press down yet.
7. Steep: Allow the coffee to steep until the timer reaches 4:00.
8. Plunge: After 4 minutes, press down on the plunger slowly, steadily, and evenly. If you feel excessive resistance, your grind is too fine; if it drops too easily, it’s too coarse.

Experiment and Enjoy

These instructions serve as a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios, temperatures, and brewing times to find your perfect cup.