SAEDNEWS: Discover how your French press is more than a coffee maker! From brewing tea to frothing milk, explore 4 creative ways to elevate your drinks and meals.
According to the housekeeping service of Saed News, many of us know the French press as a classic, beloved tool for brewing a rich and aromatic cup of coffee. But have you ever thought that this simple, efficient device holds far more potential than you might imagine? With its unique filter-and-plunger mechanism, the French press is a versatile kitchen assistant that can make a variety of tasks easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we go beyond coffee and explore four surprising and lesser-known uses for the French press that will forever change the way you see this tool.
One of the simplest alternative uses for a French press is brewing all kinds of tea—black, green, or white—as well as herbal infusions. Unlike tea bags or small strainers that restrict the leaves, the spacious chamber of a French press allows them to fully expand, releasing their full aroma, flavor, and beneficial properties.
How to do it:
Add one teaspoon of loose tea or herbs per cup of water into the French press.
Pour in hot water (not boiling) and stir gently.
Place the lid on (without pressing the plunger) and steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on the type of tea.
Once brewed, slowly press the plunger down to separate the leaves from your drink. Your tea is ready to serve!
If you love drinks like cappuccinos or lattes but don’t have an expensive espresso machine, don’t worry! Your French press can easily froth milk into a creamy, velvety foam—a use that delights coffee enthusiasts.
How to do it:
Heat milk (full-fat works best) to 60–65°C. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave.
Pour the warm milk into the French press, filling no more than one-third of the container since it will double in volume when frothed.
Put the lid on and pump the plunger rapidly up and down for 30–45 seconds.
You’ll have thick, creamy milk foam ready to top your espresso or coffee.
Rinsing small grains like quinoa, lentils, or rice can be tricky. The French press, with its fine filter, makes this process simple and efficient.
How to do it:
Place the desired amount of grains or legumes in the French press.
Fill with cold water and stir lightly to remove dust and impurities.
Slowly press the plunger down to keep the grains at the bottom.
Pour off the cloudy water from the top. Repeat as needed until the water runs clear.
If you want to make homemade plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) or extract the essence of herbs and vegetables for soups or sauces, the French press is an ideal tool.
Almond milk method:
Soak raw almonds in water for several hours.
Blend them with fresh water until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the French press.
Gently press the plunger to separate the liquid from the pulp. Fresh, homemade almond milk is ready!
These four uses are just the tip of the iceberg. With a bit of creativity, your French press can also be used to make cold brews, flavored fruit water, and even cocktails.
Final Word
The French press is far more than a simple coffee maker. With its smart design, it’s a multifunctional, cost-effective tool in any kitchen. By trying the methods outlined here, you can save money while enhancing the quality of your drinks and certain cooking processes. So next time you look at your French press, remember: a world of creative possibilities is at your fingertips.
