French press: Difference between revisions
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A French press consists of a narrow [[cylinder (geometry)|cylindrical]] [[jug (container)|jug]] usually made of [[glass]] or clear [[plastic]], equipped with a lid and a "plunger", made of metal or plastic, which fits tightly in the cylinder and which has a fine wire or [[nylon]] mesh acting as a filter. Coffee is brewed by placing the coffee and water together, leaving to brew for a few minutes, then depressing the plunger to trap the coffee grinds at the bottom of the jug. |
A French press consists of a narrow [[cylinder (geometry)|cylindrical]] [[jug (container)|jug]] usually made of [[glass]] or clear [[plastic]], equipped with a lid and a "plunger", made of metal or plastic, which fits tightly in the cylinder and which has a fine wire or [[nylon]] mesh acting as a filter. Coffee is brewed by placing the coffee and water together, leaving to brew for a few minutes, then depressing the plunger to trap the coffee grinds at the bottom of the jug. |
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The French press goes by various names around the world. In [[Australia]] and [[South Africa]] the whole apparatus is known as a [[coffee]] ''plunger'' and coffee brewed in it is known as ''plunger coffee''. Its [[French language|French]] name is ''cafetière à piston''. In French it is also known by its brand names, notably a ''[[Bodum]]'' or a ''melior'', from an old brand of this type. In the [[United Kingdom|UK]] and [[Ireland]] the device is known as a cafetière, the French word for "coffee pot". |
The French press goes by various names around the world. In [[New Zealand]], [[Australia]] and [[South Africa]] the whole apparatus is known as a [[coffee]] ''plunger'' and coffee brewed in it is known as ''plunger coffee''. Its [[French language|French]] name is ''cafetière à piston''. In French it is also known by its brand names, notably a ''[[Bodum]]'' or a ''melior'', from an old brand of this type. In the [[United Kingdom|UK]] and [[Ireland]] the device is known as a cafetière, the French word for "coffee pot". |
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Because the coffee grounds are in direct contact with the brewing water, coffee brewed with the French press captures more of the coffee's flavour and [[essential oil]]s, which would become trapped in a traditional [[drip brew]] machine's paper filters. French pressed coffee is usually stronger and thicker and has more sediment than drip-brewed coffee. Because the used grounds remain in the drink after brewing, French pressed coffee should be served immediately so as to not become bitter from over-extraction. A typical 8-cup French press is considered expired after 20 minutes.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} |
Because the coffee grounds are in direct contact with the brewing water, coffee brewed with the French press captures more of the coffee's flavour and [[essential oil]]s, which would become trapped in a traditional [[drip brew]] machine's paper filters. French pressed coffee is usually stronger and thicker and has more sediment than drip-brewed coffee. Because the used grounds remain in the drink after brewing, French pressed coffee should be served immediately so as to not become bitter from over-extraction. A typical 8-cup French press is considered expired after 20 minutes.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} |
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Revision as of 19:43, 18 June 2008
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. |
A French press, also known as a press pot, coffee press, coffee plunger or cafetière, is a coffee brewing device popularized by the French. Its operation is simple and it produces a stronger coffee than other devices.
A French press consists of a narrow cylindrical jug usually made of glass or clear plastic, equipped with a lid and a "plunger", made of metal or plastic, which fits tightly in the cylinder and which has a fine wire or nylon mesh acting as a filter. Coffee is brewed by placing the coffee and water together, leaving to brew for a few minutes, then depressing the plunger to trap the coffee grinds at the bottom of the jug.
The French press goes by various names around the world. In New Zealand, Australia and South Africa the whole apparatus is known as a coffee plunger and coffee brewed in it is known as plunger coffee. Its French name is cafetière à piston. In French it is also known by its brand names, notably a Bodum or a melior, from an old brand of this type. In the UK and Ireland the device is known as a cafetière, the French word for "coffee pot".
Because the coffee grounds are in direct contact with the brewing water, coffee brewed with the French press captures more of the coffee's flavour and essential oils, which would become trapped in a traditional drip brew machine's paper filters. French pressed coffee is usually stronger and thicker and has more sediment than drip-brewed coffee. Because the used grounds remain in the drink after brewing, French pressed coffee should be served immediately so as to not become bitter from over-extraction. A typical 8-cup French press is considered expired after 20 minutes.[citation needed]
Coffee for use in a French press should be of a consistent, coarse grind. The use of a burr mill grinder gives a more consistent grind than the whirling blade variety. The ground coffee should be more coarse than that used for a drip brew coffee filter, and far coarser than that used for espresso, as a finer grind will seep through the press filter and into the coffee.
A French press is also more portable and self contained than other coffee makers. Travel mug versions also exist made of tough plastic instead of the more common glass, and have a sealed lid with a closable drinking hole. Some versions are marketed to hikers and backpackers not wishing to carry a heavy metal percolator or a filter using drip brew.
Despite the name, the French press is not noticeably more popular in France than in other countries. In most French households, coffee is usually prepared by drip brewing, using an electric coffeemaker and paper filters. [citation needed] In bars and restaurants, an espresso machine is used.
A French press can also be used in place of a tea infuser to brew loose tea.
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