How is the "French press" brewing method described?

How is the "French press" brewing method described?

• A. Ground coffee is steeped in cold water
• B. Ground coffee is steeped in hot water and then separated by pressing down a plunger
• C. Ground coffee is brewed through a filter
• D. Ground coffee is boiled with water

Answer: (B)

The French press brewing method is characterized by steeping ground coffee in hot water and then separating the coffee from the grounds by pressing down a plunger. This method allows the coffee to steep for a longer time compared to other techniques, which enhances the extraction of flavors and oils from the coffee beans. As a result, the coffee produced is rich, full-bodied, and flavorful. The use of a metal or nylon mesh filter allows the natural oils to remain in the brew, contributing to its strong and robust profile. This method is quite different from the other brewing methods outlined in the choices. For example, steeping coffee in cold water would yield a very different, usually much weaker, flavor profile. Brewing through a filter generally involves an automatic drip process that doesn’t utilize the immersion technique of the French press. Lastly, boiling ground coffee with water does not describe the French press accurately; the coffee should be steeped in hot water, but not boiled, to prevent over-extraction and bitterness. Thus, the defining feature of the French press lies in its steeping method combined with the pressing action to achieve the desired coffee.

The French press brewing method is characterized by steeping ground coffee in hot water and then separating the coffee from the grounds by pressing down a plunger. This method allows the coffee to steep for a longer time compared to other techniques, which enhances the extraction of flavors and oils from the coffee beans. As a result, the coffee produced is rich, full-bodied, and flavorful. The use of a metal or nylon mesh filter allows the natural oils to remain in the brew, contributing to its strong and robust profile.

This method is quite different from the other brewing methods outlined in the choices. For example, steeping coffee in cold water would yield a very different, usually much weaker, flavor profile. Brewing through a filter generally involves an automatic drip process that doesn’t utilize the immersion technique of the French press. Lastly, boiling ground coffee with water does not describe the French press accurately; the coffee should be steeped in hot water, but not boiled, to prevent over-extraction and bitterness. Thus, the defining feature of the French press lies in its steeping method combined with the pressing action to achieve the desired coffee.