Brewing Perfection: Unlocking the Art of Amazing Plunger Coffee
While there are various brewing methods available, plunger coffee, also known as French press coffee, has stood the test of time for its rich flavour and full-bodied experience. In this post, we'll guide you through the steps to make amazing plunger coffee right in the comfort of your own home - all with the finest fair trade organic Common Good Coffee beans.
Start with Quality Beans: To create a remarkable cup of plunger coffee, it all begins with the beans. We've got this covered! We encourage you to experiment with different origins and roast profiles to discover your preferred taste profile. (Team tip: our current plunger go to is our ever-faithful Mexican Chiapas)
Grind to Perfection: Invest in a good quality burr grinder to grind your coffee beans just before brewing. A coarser grind is ideal for plunger coffee, as it allows for proper extraction without ending up with sediment in your cup. Consistency in particle size ensures even extraction and a well-balanced brew. If a grinder is out of your budget, then order smaller amounts of pre-ground plunger coffee regularly.
Precise Measurement: For optimal flavour, use a ratio of 1:15, which means one part Common Good Coffee to 15 parts water. Start with a standard measurement, such as 1 tablespoon of coffee per 200ml of water, and adjust to your preference. Feel free to experiment with the strength by adding more or less coffee.
Water Temperature: The water temperature plays a vital role in the extraction process. Heat your water to approximately 90-96°C. Boiling water can scorch the coffee, while water below the recommended range may result in under-extraction and a sub-optimal brew.
Time to Bloom: Place your plunger on a stable surface and add the coffee grounds. Pour a small amount of hot water over the grounds, just enough to saturate them. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to allow the coffee to bloom, releasing the trapped gases and enhancing the flavours.
Brewing and Extraction: Slowly pour the remaining hot water into the plunger, ensuring all the grounds are fully immersed. Gently stir the mixture to promote even extraction. Place the lid with the plunger on top, but don't plunge just yet. Let it steep for around four minutes, adjusting the time according to your taste preferences.
Plunge and Pour: After the desired steeping time, slowly press the plunger down with even pressure. The metal filter will separate the coffee grounds from the liquid, creating a smooth and sediment-free brew. Pour the coffee into your favorite mug or serving vessel immediately to prevent over-extraction.
Enjoy that flavour!
Mastering the art of making amazing plunger coffee requires a little practice, but the rewards are well worth it. With high-quality beans, proper grinding, precise measurements, and careful attention to water temperature and steeping time, you can unlock the full potential of this brewing method. Embrace the process, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, enjoy the delightful journey of crafting your own perfect cup of plunger coffee.
By choosing fair trade organic Common Good Coffee, you're helping spark good in places of extreme poverty and modern slavery.