How to prepare good coffee in a French press coffee maker is an art that combines the proper selection of beans, the extraction process, and the use of the correct proportions. This method allows the coffee's intense flavors and unique notes to be highlighted, offering a rich sensorial experience. To better understand how this equipment works, you can check out our detailed guide on how a French press works .
Steps to prepare coffee in a French press
Selecting and grinding coffee
Coffee quality begins with the selection of fresh, high-quality beans . We recommend using Colombian beans , which are world-renowned for their exceptional flavor and aroma.
- Opt for specialty coffees that guarantee quality.
- Choose freshly roasted beans to preserve the oils and flavors.
For the French press, we especially recommend:
- Natural Specialty Coffee - Its fruity notes are enhanced with this method
- Honey Specialty Coffee - The sweetness is intensified perfectly
- Tradition Specialty Coffee - Balanced and versatile
- Specialty Silver Coffee - Ideal complexity for prolonged immersion
The coffee grind is a crucial aspect of this method. For a French press , a coarse grind is essential , as a fine grind can pass through the filter and cause the coffee to become sedimenty. A coarse grind allows for even extraction, ensuring each bean unleashes its unique characteristics.
Ratio of coffee and water
The right ratio of coffee to water is essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor. Generally, it's recommended to use two heaping tablespoons of ground coffee for every 180 ml of hot water. This ratio can be adjusted according to personal taste.
- For a stronger coffee, you can increase the amount of ground coffee.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, you can slightly decrease the amount of coffee.
It's crucial to use hot water, at a temperature between 90 and 95 degrees Celsius. This ensures optimal coffee extraction without burning the beans, which could alter the final flavor of the beverage.
Infusion time
Steeping time is another determining factor in coffee preparation. It's recommended to let the coffee steep for approximately four minutes after adding the hot water. This time allows the oils and flavors to fully extract, creating a rich and aromatic beverage.
- For a more pronounced flavor, it is possible to increase the time to five minutes.
- If coffee is left to steep for too long, it can result in a bitter and overly strong taste.
Plunger pressure
Once the brewing time is up, press the plunger. This should be done slowly and carefully, avoiding excessive force, which could alter the coffee's texture. Pressing the plunger separates the sediment from the liquid, ensuring that only the liquid coffee is delivered to the cup.
- Slow movements allow for proper separation of sediments.
- It is important not to over-tighten the plunger to prevent it from breaking or becoming damaged.
Once this step is complete, the coffee is ready to be served and enjoyed. Preparing coffee in a French press provides a cup that brings out the best of the beans used, turning every experience into a special moment.
Recommended Equipment
For best results, we recommend our high-quality French press coffee maker , specifically designed to highlight the characteristics of Colombian specialty coffee .
Comparison with Other Preparation Methods
The French press is distinguished from other coffee filtering methods by its ability to preserve the natural oils of the coffee:
Vs. Paper Filtering Methods
Unlike the V60 or Chemex methods, which use paper filters for cleaner cups, the French press retains the coffee's natural oils, resulting in a fuller-bodied, textured beverage.
Vs. Espresso
While espresso uses high pressure for rapid extraction, a French press uses time and immersion to extract fuller, more full-bodied flavors.
Vs. AeroPress
The AeroPress combines immersion and pressure, while the French press relies solely on immersion, resulting in different flavor profiles.
Specialty Drinks with French Press
The French press produces a full-bodied coffee that is perfect as a base for other preparations:
Milk Drinks
- Cappuccino Base : The intense body is perfect as a cappuccino base
- Flat White Base : Ideal for a flat white with more character
- Macchiato Robusto : Perfect for a macchiato with personality
Other Preparations
- Americano : Dilute French press coffee for a fuller-bodied Americano
- Mocha Base : Intense coffee is ideal for perfect mochas
- Affogato Base : A robust base for affogato
Tips for Beginners
If you're new to specialty coffee, a French press is a great introduction:
- Start the Journey : Embark on your specialty coffee journey with our beginner's guide
- Learning to identify quality : Deciphering the secrets of specialty coffee to identify excellent coffee
- Experiment : Try the 25 coffee recipes available
- Proper Storage : Learn how to store opened coffee to maintain freshness
Other uses of the French press
- Loose Tea : Excellent for preparing loose leaf tea using the same principle.
- Herbal infusions : To prepare infusions of mint, chamomile or other herbs.
- Cold Milk Froth : Can be used to create cold milk foam by repeated pumping.
- Concentrated broth : For infusing spices and herbs in broths.
- Protein Shakes : Helps mix shakes without lumps.
