In alt.coffee Mark L. Breen > wrote:

> My question is, I use a plunge pot in Ireland, and I wonder is it better to
> stir the coffee immediately after I add the water or not. I seem to get
> better coffee if I do not stir. I wonder is it because the coffee itself
> acts as a filter for the smaller particles when you do not stir. I find
> that if I stir, the coffee does not remain on the top of the water.

It should not be on top of the water. It should swirl all through the
water.

> Additionally, I have given up grinding my own beans because I formed the
> opinion my grinder does not in fact grind, but actually shatters the beans
> and gives me powder instead of ground coffee. So now a days I buy ground
> coffee.

Buy a decent burr grinder. Look at the Bodum for an inexpensive ne, or
buy one on eBay.

--
....I'm an air-conditioned gypsy...

- The Who