The right grind for French press

French press is a common way to brew coffee, and its unique soaking and filtering process can well show the rich flavor of coffee. In this method, it is crucial to choose the right grind of the coffee grinder. For French press, the recommended grind is coarse grind.
Advantages of coarse grind
Prevent over-extraction: Coarsely ground coffee powder has larger particles, and the extraction speed is relatively slow when water flows through. This feature can effectively prevent coffee from being over-extracted during long soaking, thereby reducing unnecessary bitterness and astringency. French press usually has a soaking time of 4 minutes, and coarse grinding can ensure that rich flavors are extracted during this time without causing bitterness to increase.
Maintain flavor balance: Because coarse grinding reduces the exposure of surface area, the acidity and fruity aroma of coffee can be better retained, ensuring that the flavor of coffee is rich and not too monotonous. This grind can help highlight the natural characteristics of coffee beans, making it smoother and smoother, suitable for drinkers who like a fresh taste.
Better filtering effect: In French press, using coarsely ground coffee powder can make the filtering process smoother. Fine powder can easily clog the filter, resulting in increased resistance during brewing and affecting the extraction efficiency of coffee. Coarse powder can maintain fluidity, allowing water to flow evenly through the coffee powder to ensure uniform extraction.
Precautions during brewing
Soaking time: Although coarse grinding can prevent over-extraction, the soaking time still needs to be controlled. The recommended soaking time is generally 4 minutes. If the soaking time is too long, even coarse grinding may still cause the release of bitterness.
Water temperature control: Using a water temperature of 90-96°C is a good choice. This temperature range can effectively extract the flavor components of coffee without causing over-extraction. Too high a temperature may cause unnecessary bitterness and affect the overall taste of the coffee.
Ratio of coffee powder to water: The generally recommended ratio is 1:15 to 1:17, that is, 1 gram of coffee powder with 15 to 17 grams of water. This ratio can ensure the balance of flavors and fully display the aroma and taste of coffee.