The French Press is a household staple for many coffee enthusiasts. But a common question is – how much coffee for french press should be used? Well, it depends on your personal taste and the coffee-to-water ratio. We’ll take a deep dive into this topic and share some top tips to make your perfect cup of coffee.
How Much Coffee for French Press to Avoid Bitter Flavor?
Using too much coffee or too long of a brewing process can produce a bitter flavor in your final brew. Ideally, use a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water. That is, for each gram of coffee, use 15 grams of water. This ratio can ensure a rich coffee flavor without the bitterness.
If the coffee still tastes bitter, it could be due to over-extraction. You could remedy this by reducing the brew time. How long you let your coffee brew in the french press can make a significant difference in the flavor.
Push the Plunger after Gentle Stir
After adding coffee and water, give the mixture a gentle stir using a wooden spoon as metal can damage the glass. The gentle stir can ensure all coffee grounds are immersed in water for even extraction.
After stirring, place the lid and slowly push the plunger down. However, don’t push it all the way. Keep it just above the water-coffee mixture to avoid heat escaping. You’ll push it all down when steeping is complete.
Roast Coffee and Ground Coffee Matters
The type of roast coffee you choose for your french press can also impact the taste. But, whether you use mild or dark roast, make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Another crucial factor is the quality of ground coffee. Always opt for whole bean and then grind them yourself. Ensure the coffee beans are ground to a coarse texture suitable for a French press. Fine ground coffee backfires with a bitter taste.
The Role of Burr Grinder in French Press Coffee
When grinding coffee beans at home, a burr grinder is recommended because it grinds beans uniformly. With even-sized ground coffee particles, you have better control over the brew time preventing over-extraction or under-extraction.
Simply put, an uneven grind leads to an uneven extraction. And, the french press requires a consistent grind to make a perfect cup of coffee.
Importance of the Right Amount of Cup of Water
A common mistake is not using the right amount of cup of water. When we say a ‘cup’, we mostly refer to an 8-ounce cup. Therefore, if your French press‘ capacity is 34 ounces, it makes four cups of coffee.
Following the 1:15 coffee to water ratio, for every 1 cup of coffee, you’d use 15 grams of coffee and 225 grams of water (since 1 cup is approximately 225 grams).
Hot Water and Boil Water Technique
Boiling water can adversely affect the flavor of coffee. Therefore, the hot water you use should be just off the boil.
After boiling, let the water cool for a minute before using it for brewing. By doing so, you can avoid burning the coffee and retain its optimal flavor.
The Crucial Brew Time
Brew time is another factor that influences the taste of your press coffee. The golden rule for French Press is to let the coffee brew for 4 minutes.
After 4 minutes, slowly push down the plunger to separate the grounds from the extracted coffee. Your perfect cup of press coffee is now ready to be served.
Perfect Cup of Coffee with 15 Ratio
The secret to a perfect cup of coffee is the 1:15 ratio. That means, for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 15 grams of water.
Following this ratio ensures that your coffee is neither too strong nor too watery, hitting the right balance for your tastebuds.
Stir with a Wooden Spoon
A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring as it doesn’t damage your French Press and it doesn’t steal heat from the water. Remember, the aim is to ensure all the grounds are submerged in water, so a quick, gentle stir should suffice.
How much coffee should I use in a French Press?
For a balanced taste, we recommend using a 1:15 coffee to water ratio. That equates to approximately 15 grams of coffee for each 225 grams of water (1 cup).
What’s the ideal brew time for French Press?
The optimal brew time for French Press is 4 minutes for the perfect balance of flavor.
What grind size should I use for French Press?
For a French Press, you should use a coarse grind size. This prevents over-extraction and creation of sludge at the bottom of your cup.
Should I use a burr grinder for French Press?
Yes, a burr grinder is recommended because it provides a consistent grind size, which is critical for the extraction process in French Press brewing.
How to avoid bitter coffee when using a French Press?
A few ways to avoid bitter coffee include using freshly roasted beans, ensuring the correct water temperature, using correct water-to-coffee ratio, and avoiding over-extraction by brewing for the right amount of time.
Should I stir my coffee in a French Press?
Yes, a quick, gentle stir after adding coffee and water ensures that all the coffee grounds are saturated, leading to better extraction.
What is the role of a plunger in a French Press?
The plunger separates coffee grounds from the water after the brewing process is complete, stopping further extraction.
Why use a wooden spoon to stir coffee in a French Press?
A wooden spoon is ideal as it doesn’t absorb heat like metal spoons, preserving the water temperature for optimal extraction.
How hot should the water be for a French Press?
The water should be just off the boil, around 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should I use boiled water in the French Press?
After reaching boiling point, let the water cool for a minute or two before using it for brewing. This is to prevent the coffee from burning and turning bitter.
