French press: How to use it

The French press is a classic and popular method of brewing coffee that allows you to extract rich and flavourful coffee with ease. This method is loved for its simplicity and the ability to extract the natural oils and flavours from the coffee grounds. It produces a robust cup of coffee with a fuller body and often more pronounced flavours compared to other brewing methods.

How to Use

Here are the steps that we follow to use a French press. We like this brewing technique because its simple, easy to use and convenient when you’re travelling. You can tailor the strength and taste of your coffee to your liking with some experimentation in coffee-to-water ratios and brewing times.

Steps:

1. Add coffee grounds: Start by adding coarsely ground coffee to the French press. The recommended ratio is can range from 1:12 to 1:17, meaning 1 part coffee to 12-17 parts water.

We like our coffee strong so we use 1:12 ratio (30g coffee in 350g water). Adjust the amount based on your preference and the size of our French press. We use a 17 oz (.5 litre) French press.

2. Heat water: Bring water to a boil and let it cool for about 30 seconds to a minute. The ideal temperature for brewing with a French press is around 90-96°C (195-205°F).

3. Pour water: Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds in the French press, ensuring that all the grounds are fully saturated. Stir gently to ensure even extraction.

4. Steep: Place the plunger with the filter on top of the French press but do not press it down. Let the coffee steep for about 5-7 mins, allowing the flavours to develop.

5. Press and pour: After the steeping time, slowly press the plunger down, separating the brewed coffee from the grounds. Apply gentle and even pressure to avoid any grounds escaping into the coffee. Once pressed, the filter will separate the grounds leaving them in the lower part of the French press.

6. Serve and enjoy: Pour the brewed coffee into your cup. Savour the rich and full-bodied flavour of French press coffee. It’s best to serve it immediately to enjoy it at its freshest.

Best beans for a French Press

When it comes to choosing the best coffee beans for a French press, it often comes down to personal preference. However, there are certain characteristics that make certain types of coffee beans more suitable for this brewing method.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting coffee beans:

1. Medium to dark roast: Coffee beans with a medium to dark roast tend to work well with French press brewing. This method allows for a longer steeping time, which can bring out the robust flavours and body of darker roasts. These roasts often have notes of chocolate, caramel, or nuttiness that can enhance the overall taste experience.

2. Coarse grind size: brewing with this technique requires a coarse grind size to prevent the grounds from passing through the mesh filter and ending up in the final cup. It is recommended to use a burr grinder and adjust it to a coarse setting when grinding beans for this method.

3. Full-bodied and bold flavours: French press brewing tends to extract more oils and compounds from the coffee beans, resulting in a fuller-bodied and stronger cup of coffee. Consider choosing coffee beans with bold and pronounced flavours that can withstand the immersion brewing process.

4. Single-Origin or blends: Whether you prefer single-origin beans of blends is a matter of personal taste. Single-origin beans allow you to appreciate the unique characteristics of coffee from a specific region, while blends offer a balanced and consistent flavour profile. Experiment with different options to find the one that suits your preferences.

5. Freshly roasted beans: For the best flavour, try to choose freshly roasted coffee beans. Look for beans with a roast date within a few weeks of your purchase. This ensures that the beans retain their flavours and aromas.

Ultimately, the best coffee beans are those that align with your taste preferences. Consider trying different beans, roasts, and origins to discover the flavours that you enjoy the most when brewing with a French press.

Happy Sipping!