The best coffee for french press: science-backed tips

Nolan Killey

June 1, 2023

4.7/5 - (6 votes)

Introduction

Are you a fan of french press coffee? If so, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the best possible coffee beans and grinding them to the perfect size. In this blog post, we’ll share some science-backed tips on how to get the perfect cup of french press coffee every time.

The best coffee beans for french press.

Robusta beans vs Arabica beans

When it comes to coffee beans, there are two main types: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are typically more flavorful and aromatic, while Robusta beans are more bitter and have a higher caffeine content. For French press coffee, we recommend using Arabica beans for the best flavor.

French Press coffee on table

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Robusta beans are a good choice. Keep in mind that they will produce a more bitter cup of coffee, so you may want to add a little more sugar or cream to balance out the flavors.

Light, medium, or dark roast

The next thing to consider is the roast level of your coffee beans. Light roast beans will be more acidic and have a brighter flavor, while dark roast beans will be more mellow and have deeper notes. For French press coffee, we recommend using a medium roast bean for the best balance of flavor.

If you’re using a light roast bean, you might want to consider using a coarser grind to help mellow out the acidity.

Conversely, if you’re using a dark roast bean, you might want to use a finer grind to help bring out the deeper flavors. Experiment to see what you like best!

How to grind coffee beans for french press?

The ideal grind size

The ideal grind size for french press coffee is a coarse grind. A coarse grind will allow the coffee grounds to steep properly and produce a full-bodied cup of coffee.

To achieve the perfect grind size for french press, it’s best to use a burr grinder. A burr grinder will give you consistent, even grinds that will make brewing your coffee easier and produce better results.

If you don’t have a burr grinder, you can use a blade grinder, but be careful not to over grind the beans. You want to avoid a powdery consistency, so pulse the grinder until the beans are the right size.

If your grinder has a pulse button, press and release it in short bursts. If your grinder doesn’t have a pulse button, hold down the on button for a few seconds at a time, then release and give the beans a shake so they move to the center of the grinding chamber before turning the grinder back on.

You should only grind as much coffee as you need for each brew. If you grind too much, the coffee will start to lose its flavor.

Do you need to go single origin?

There is no definitive answer, as it depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for a more nuanced and specific flavor profile, single origin coffee may be a better choice.

On the other hand, if you’re simply looking for a good cup of coffee, a blend may be a better option. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you’re looking for in a coffee.

What are the most popular coffee beans for French press?

Some of the most popular coffee beans for French press include Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Kenyan AA, and Guatemalan Antigua. These beans are known for their high quality and unique flavor profiles.

Many coffee lovers prefer French press coffee because it is a full-bodied brew with more complex flavor than coffee made with other methods. French press coffee is also less acidic than other types of coffee, making it easier on the stomach for those who are sensitive to acidity.

The perfect water to coffee ratio for french press.

The ideal water temperature

The ideal water temperature for making french press coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the coffee grounds are extracted fully, without being over-extracted.

The best water to coffee ratio

The best water to coffee ratio for french press coffee is 1:16. This means that for every 1 gram of coffee, you should use 16 grams of water (about 2 tablespoons).

If you want a stronger cup of coffee, you can reduce the French Press Coffee to Water Ratio to 1:14 or 1:12. This will make the coffee more concentrated and less watery.

If you want a weaker cup of coffee, you can increase the water to coffee ratio to 1:18 or 1:20.

This will make the coffee more diluted and less intense.

How to make french press coffee.

The step-by-step guide

If you want to make the perfect cup of French press coffee, follow these simple steps:

1. Start with fresh, cold water. Fill your French press about halfway with cold water from the tap.

2. Preheat your mug or cup by pouring a little hot water into it and swirling it around. Then pour out the water.

3. Place your coffee grounds in the French press. A good rule of thumb is to use about 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of coffee for every 4 ounces (120 ml) of water.

4. Slowly pour hot water over the coffee grounds, stopping just short of the top of the press pot. Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are evenly saturated with water.

5. Allow the coffee to steep for 4 minutes before depressing the plunger slowly and evenly until it reaches the bottom of the pot. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Conclusion

The perfect cup of french press coffee is achievable with the right beans, grind size, water to coffee ratio, and brewing method.

To get the perfect cup of french press coffee, start by choosing the right beans.

The best beans for french press coffee are typically medium to dark roast coffees with a strong flavor. To make a perfect cup of french press coffee, start by heating the water to just below boiling.

Then, add the coffee grounds and water to the french press and stir gently. Put the lid on the french press and let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, slowly press down on the plunger to filter the coffee. Pour the coffee into your cup and enjoy!

By following the tips in this blog post, you’ll be able to make a delicious cup of coffee at home that rivals any cafe. So what are you waiting for? Get brewing!

About Nolan Killey

Nolan is a keen traveller who loves to explore the world and taste new cuisines. She’s also a coffee lover, and enjoys sampling different blends from all over the globe. Her blog chronicles her travels and culinary experiences, as well as providing helpful tips for travelers and foodies. Anna likes to inject a healthy dose of humour into her writing, making her blog an enjoyable read for everyone.

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