Learn aboutFrench pressand its uses
Most people use the French press incorrectly. It is a very popular method for makingcoffee,and it’s very easy to do, as long as you follow a few simple rules. In this section, we share lifestyle tips andhousekeeping secrets. SelMagzBesides a complete introduction to the French press, we teach you how to properly use it.
What is a French press?
The French press is a simple and very useful tool for brewing coffee. It can also be used to brew tea, green tea, and herbal infusions. The French press filterstea leavesandherbal teaseffectively and thoroughly, making it better for brewing tea, green tea, and herbal infusions compared to tea bags.History and Inventor of the French pressThe inventor of the French press was an Italian named “Attilio Calimani” who invented it in 1929. Its popularity grew after World War II, especially in France. During the war, it was mainly used to make coffee, which led to the beverage being known as French coffee.
Parts and Types of French Press
This coffee maker consists of the following parts:
Stand or base
The glass container where coffee grounds are placed and the brewed coffee is formed.
- Lid
- The lever used to separate coffee grounds from the drink.
- The filter that separates coffee grounds from the liquid.
- The parts are connected, making this device cordless and free of paper or cloth filters. They come in sizes suitable for 2 people, 6 people, or more. Coffee brewed in a French press retains natural oils, resulting in a rich, flavorful, and aromatic drink due to the absence of paper filters.
- How to choose a good French press?
Remember, to use these cups well, you should first buy a suitable model. Usually, the standard size of a French press is between 4 and 8 cups.
Note that we mean cups, not mugs. Luckily, there are small, large, metal, and electric versions available, depending on your needs.
Metal French presses generally retain heat better than glass ones, so if you want to use them in a cold environment, it’s better to buy the metal types.
Electric French presses are ideal for busy people because they heat water quickly and brew coffee or tea faster, and they can keep the drink warm for a longer period after brewing.
Large French presses can hold between 8 and 12 cups of coffee or herbal tea, suitable for high consumption. Smaller sizes generally brew about 3 to 4 cups.
How to use a French press
The French press has a tank and a lever. To brew coffee or tea, start by warming the French press slightly; to do this, pour boiling water inside and let it sit for a moment.Pour your ingredients into the tank. For example, add coffee grounds or herbal leaves you want to brew. If using coffee, it’s better to use coarse grounds, as fine grounds can become over-pulverized and enter the brew, making it overly bitter.After adding the ingredients, lift the plunger slightly and wait a few moments for your coffee or tea to steep. Then, press the lever down to push the grounds or leaves towards the bottom, making it ready to drink.
It’s usually advised not to pour out the grounds or herbs immediately, as the longer they stay in the brew, the more flavor they release into your drink.
Creative tips for using your French press
Making thick cream
If you love thick cream, especially for desserts, you can use your French press to make it. Just fill half of the press with cream and pump the lever up and down to whip it into a thick consistency.
Do this quickly, and within 5 minutes, you’ll have rich, creamy whipped cream perfect for your desserts.
Froth or foam milk
To create milk foam, boil milk and then pour it into the French press, as explained in SelMagz. Pump the lever repeatedly to froth the milk. Milk foam is often used on coffee and
cappuccinos.
Extracting juice from berries
If you need a quick and easy way to get juice from small fruits like raspberries, just put the berries in the French press and press the lever down to extract and enjoy the juice.
Extracting oil or liquid from ingredientsIf you love delicious olive oil, you can use a French press. Just put the plant material inside and press with the lever to extract the oil.Moistening dried foods
If you love dried vegetables or noodles, using a French press to slightly moisten them makes eating easier. Simply add dried vegetables, cover with water, and press down to rehydrate.Extracting fresh vegetable juiceWhat could be better than drinking fresh vegetable juice easily with a French press? Just put your favorite vegetables in and press to extract the juice and enjoy.
Keeping herbs fresh
A French press is a great way to keep herbs like basil, rosemary, and parsley fresh. If you grow herbs, you can store and keep them fresh by placing their stems in the French press, covering with water, and keeping them fresh.
Cleaning tips for the French pressTo clean your French press, rinse it with warm water. There’s no need to wash it with soap or detergent.French press,
its inventor and history,
parts and components,
how to choose, buy, and use a French press, including tips for making coffee, tea, herbal drinks, and creative uses for the device.
