Understanding French Press Coffee
A French press is a simple device that enhances the coffee drinking experience. It consists of a cylindrical glass container with a plunger and a metal or plastic lid. Unlike other coffee brewing methods that use paper filters, a French press allows coffee grounds to steep in hot water. The result is an exceptionally rich, full-bodied coffee that is free of bitterness. That being said, choosing the right grind for French press coffee can make all the difference.
The Role of Grind Size in French Press Coffee
Grind size is one of the most important factors that influence the taste of your coffee. When it comes to French press, the grind size determines how quickly hot water extracts flavors from the beans. A coarse grind size means the coffee particles are larger, and the water takes longer to extract their flavors. This leads to a full-bodied coffee with low acidity. On the other hand, a fine grind size means the coffee particles are smaller, and the water extracts flavors quickly. This leads to a delicate coffee with high acidity.
Best Grind Size for French Press Coffee
The ideal grind size for French press coffee is coarse. The coffee particles should be roughly the size of breadcrumbs or sea salt. A coarse grind size allows coffee to steep for several minutes, extracting rich, bold flavors from the beans. It also prevents small coffee particles from passing through the plunger and into your cup, which can make the coffee gritty and bitter.
How to Grind Coffee for French Press
Grinding your coffee for a French press requires a burr grinder. A burr grinder grinds coffee beans in a consistent size, preventing variations in flavor. A blade grinder, on the other hand, chops coffee beans unevenly, leading to variations in flavor and grind size. To grind coffee for French press, set your burr grinder to a coarse setting and grind your coffee beans. Use a scale to measure the coffee and water, and aim for a ratio of 1:16 (one part coffee to sixteen parts water). For example, if you’re making 500ml of coffee, you’ll need 30 grams of coffee beans.
The Bottom Line
The best grind size for French press coffee is coarse. It allows coffee to steep for several minutes, extracting rich, bold flavors from the beans. To grind coffee for French press, use a burr grinder and set it to a coarse setting. Measure your coffee and water accurately, and aim for a ratio of 1:16. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to brew an exceptional pot of coffee that will delight your senses.
