How to make French press coffee | The ultimate beginner's guide
How to Brew Coffee with a French Press
The French Press is one of the most popular coffee brewing methods worldwide because it's easy to use and highlights the natural oils and rich flavors present in specialty coffee beans.
If you want to achieve a balanced cup of coffee, choosing the right beans and following the correct brewing steps make a significant difference.
What is a French Press?
The French Press is an immersion brewing tool, where ground coffee remains in hot water for several minutes before being separated by a metal filter.
It is known for giving coffee a rich body and strong flavor compared to paper filtration methods.
Required Tools
- French Press
- Digital scale
- Coffee grinder
- Water kettle
- Timer
- Fresh specialty coffee
Best Grind Size
It is best to use a coarse grind.
A fine grind may lead to sediment passing into the cup and make the taste too bitter.
Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The ideal ratio is:
1 : 15
Meaning:
- 20g coffee
- 300ml water
Or
- 30g coffee
- 450ml water
Water Temperature
The best temperature is:
92 to 96 degrees Celsius
If the water is boiling, let it sit for about 30 seconds before use.
Brewing Steps
1. Preheat the French Press
Rinse the carafe with hot water to maintain the temperature.
2. Add Coffee
Place the required amount of coarsely ground coffee.
3. Add Water
Pour in all the water, ensuring all coffee grounds are saturated.
4. Stir
Gently stir the coffee with a wooden or plastic spoon.
5. Place the Lid
Place the lid without pressing down on the plunger.
6. Wait
Let the coffee steep for
4 minutes
7. Plunge
Slowly and steadily press the plunger down until it reaches the bottom.
Do not press too quickly to avoid disturbing the sediment.
8. Serve
Pour the coffee directly into a cup or another carafe so it doesn't continue to extract inside the French Press.
Common Mistakes
Using a grind that is too fine
Leads to excessive bitterness.
Leaving the coffee for too long
Over-extraction results in an unbalanced taste.
Using water that is too hot
May burn the delicate flavors in the coffee.
Not weighing the coffee
Using a scale provides consistent results every time.
Best Coffee Beans for French Press
It is preferable to use Specialty Coffee 100% Arabica beans with a medium or medium-light roast to achieve clear and balanced flavors.
You can try origins like:
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Ethiopia
And you will notice the difference in flavors between each origin.
Why choose PURO coffee?
At PURO, we select 100% Arabica specialty coffee beans, roasted in small batches to preserve their natural flavors and aromas, making them suitable for French Press and all other brewing methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is French Press stronger than V60?
It usually has a denser body, while V60 offers a cleaner cup with clearer flavors.
What is the best grind size?
Coarse grind is the best.
How long is the extraction time?
Approximately 4 minutes.
Can any type of coffee be used?
It is preferable to use fresh specialty coffee for the best taste.
Conclusion
Brewing coffee with a French Press is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a rich and balanced cup. By using fresh beans, an appropriate grind size, and adhering to the correct brewing ratio, you will achieve excellent results every time.
If you are looking for specialty coffee suitable for French Press, browse the PURO Specialty Coffee collection and choose the origin that suits your taste.