The Plunger, is a classic brewing method that delivers a full-bodied and aromatic cup of coffee. Whether you're new to this method or looking to refine your technique, our step-by-step guide will help you brew the perfect Plunger coffee.
1. Gather Your Equipment
- Plunger
- Coffee Beans
- Grinder
- Jug
- Scale (optional, for precise measurements)
- Timer
2. Measure and Grind Your Coffee
- Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A common ratio is 1:15 (1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water). For a standard 8-cup French Press, use about 54 grams of coffee to 800 grams of water.
- Grind Size: Use a coarse grind. The particles should be about the size of breadcrumbs. A consistent grind ensures even extraction and prevents over-extraction, which can lead to bitterness.
3. Boil and Cool Your Water
- Water Temperature: Heat your water to just below boiling, around 200°F (93°C). If you don't have a thermometer, bring the water to a boil and let it sit for 30 seconds.
4. Preheat the Plunger
- Preheat: Pour hot water into the French Press to warm it up. This helps maintain the brewing temperature. Discard the water before adding coffee grounds.
5. Add Coffee Grounds and Water
- Add Grounds: Place the ground coffee into the French Press.
- Add Water: Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds, making sure to saturate them evenly. Start a timer for 4 minutes as you pour.
6. Stir and Steep
- Stir: Give the coffee and water mixture a gentle stir to ensure all grounds are fully immersed.
- Steep: Place the lid on the Plunger with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let the coffee steep for the remaining time on your timer.
7. Press and Pour
- Press: After 4 minutes, slowly press the plunger down. Apply steady pressure to avoid agitation, which can cause over-extraction.
- Pour: Immediately pour the coffee into your cup or a carafe to prevent it from continuing to brew in the Plunger, which could lead to bitterness.
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Our recommendations for blends in a Plunger are:
Matakana - a dark strong roast with chocolate notes
Spindrift - a medium blend with floral notes
Tidesong - a light roast with a smooth finish