What Coffee to Use for French Press
When preparing coffee with a French press, the type of coffee you use matters. Brewing coffee with a French press results in a richer, fuller-bodied flavor than traditional drip coffee.
Choosing the right type of coffee for a French press can make a huge difference in the flavor you’re able to produce with your brew.
Considerations for choosing your coffee beans
- Buy Whole Beans – For the freshest most flavorful coffee, always opt for fresh, whole-bean coffee. Whole-bean coffee retains its flavor and aroma longer.
- Grind Your Bean Coarsely – A French press isn’t well-suited to a fine grind. A coarse grind will allow the flavors and aromas of your coffee beans to shine through.
- Choose a Light to Medium Roast – A light or medium roast is ideal for French press brewing. Darker roasts can be a bit too intense and overpower the flavors of your beans.
You’ll also want to consider the flavor profile of the beans you choose. Will you opt for a single origin variety or a blend? That’s completely up to your preferences.
How to Brew with a French Press
- Measure the beans & grind – For a standard French press, Aim for a ratio of 1:15, which means 1 gram of coffee for every 15 mL of water.
- Heat your water – Bring 400-415 mL of water to a temperature of 200 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bloom – After you add the water, wait 30 seconds and then gently stir a few times. This is called the bloom stage, a process which allows the beans to “up” their flavor.
- Press – After the bloom, add the plunger to the press and press down gently.
- Pour – When finished, pour the coffee gently into your cup.
Enjoy the flavor of your freshly-brewed French press coffee and enjoy!
