Mastering the French Press: 5 Tips from a Coffee Specialist
The cafetiere, also known as a French press, offers a time-honoured way to brew rich and delicious cups of coffee. While seemingly simple, this brewing method has several nuances that, when perfected, yield an exceptional result.
The experts at Howden Coffee share five tips for brewing a masterpiece in your french press:
1. The Beans Matter
Great coffee starts with great beans—it’s as simple as that. Specialty coffee roasters are always a reliable source for getting the best beans at a fair price. This trick is a failsafe way to improve your french press experience instantly; you will get a significantly more flavoursome brew that makes the slightly higher cost well worth it.
Opt for whole beans and grind them fresh just before brewing. This maximizes the release of the coffee's essential oils and aromatics.
2. Coarse is Key
Getting the grind right is critical to a tremendous french press brew, so try to aim for a consistency similar to coarse sea salt. A too fine grind can result in the coffee being over-extracted and bitter. A burr grinder will help you achieve the most even and consistent grind.
Also, be mindful that if your coffee is ground too fine, it may spill into the main coffee drink. While some people don’t mind this, it is best to avoid it.
3. Get Your Ratios Right
The ideal water-to-coffee ratio depends on your french press size and preferences. A good starting point for a standard cafetiere is around 60 grams (about four tablespoons) of coarsely ground coffee for every litre of water. That is roughly 1:16 coffee to water ratio. Feel free to adjust this slightly for a stronger or weaker brew.
So, if you’re making coffee for just one person, then about 15g of coffee (one tablespoon) 250ml of water will suffice.
4. The Magic of the Bloom
While the french press is a no-fuss coffee-making method, many ways exist to improve it. Before plunging, start with a "bloom." This is where you pour enough hot water (just off the boil, roughly 90-95 degrees Celsius) over the grounds to saturate them thoroughly. You'll see the coffee bubble and release gases—this is the 'bloom.' Wait 30 seconds for this process, then add the rest of your water.
This is a really simple and effective way to achieve a more even water distribution through your coffee.
5. Timing is Everything
The ideal brewing time for a french press is around 4 minutes, so after you’ve bloomed and poured your water, use a timer to help with consistency. After your time is up, plunge the filter down slowly and steadily. This separates the grounds and prevents further extraction.
Remember to plunge the cafetiere slowly. Failure to do this can result in coffee grounds in your main drink.
Bonus Tip: A Clean Press is a Happy Press
While this is more maintenance than a trick, thoroughly cleaning your cafetiere after each use is essential. Coffee oils build up quickly and can impart flavors to your next brew, an annoying presence if you’re trying fresh new beans! A little extra care makes a world of difference in taste.
Remember, coffee is a personal journey. Take these techniques as guidelines and customize your brewing process to discover your perfect french press experience. Experiment with different Howden Coffee roasts, grind size, and water temperature to find the nuances you love.
The cafetiere encourages a slow, mindful approach to coffee. Take your time, enjoy the ritual, and savor the complex flavors that emerge in every cup.
