Finding The Perfect Coffee To Water Ratio For A French Press
The French Press is a convenient coffee maker found in almost every household’s kitchen cabinet. Its simplicity in comparison to other brewing methods contributes to its widespread use. However, to unlock the full potential of a French Press, it’s important to use the right coffee- to-water ratio.
For most, using a French Press looks like this: using a spoon to fill the french press with ground coffee, pouring boiling water on the coffee grounds, waiting a few minutes and pressing down on the strainer to then pour the coffee. However, to get the best out of your beans, it takes a few simple steps. Here, we’ll uncover simple techniques used to enhance the your cup of joe.
How to Make Coffee Using a French Press
The brewing process with a French Press is known as immersion brewing. Coffee grounds are submerged in water, left to steep for a chosen duration, and then poured directly into a cup without passing through a paper filter. This means that oils and fine coffee components are included in the brew, resulting in a fuller-bodied and stronger cup. The prolonged contact between the water and coffee also significantly influences the coffee’s taste. Hence, selecting the right coffee-to-water ratio becomes crucial to avoid a bitter brew. But, before we get into all that, let's explore the optimal way to brew with a French Press.
First, grind your beans. We cannot stress how important it is to freshly grind your beans. You can tell whether a grind is too coarse or to fine if pressing the plunger is done too easily or only with a lot of resistance.
#1 Begin by preheating your vessel by pouring hot water in and discarded before starting the brew
#2 Let the freshly boiled water cool down for 30 seconds. According to your brew recipe, add coffee grounds to the french press. Pour the requirement amount of water onto the grounds
#3 Give the French Press a swirl to equally cover the coffee grounds with water
#4 Put the plunger on top but don’t press just yet
#5 Let the coffee sit for 4 minutes before you press the plunger down and serve immediately
Why The Coffee-To-Water Ratio Matters
The coffee-to-water ratio has a significant impact on the taste and strength of your coffee. Too much water and your coffee will be weak and watery; too little and it can be too strong and bitter. The perfect ratio will yield a well-balanced, full-bodied cup of coffee tailored to your taste preferences.
Factors Affecting the Coffee-To-Water Ratio
#1 Coffee Bean Type & Roasting Style - Various coffee beans and roasting techniques have different flavors and strengths, influencing the ideal ratio. Explore and experiment to discover the perfect ratio that complements the unique characteristics of your chosen beans.
#2 Grind Size - The grind size also plays a crucial role in the extraction process, as coaster grinds require more coffee to achieve the same strength as finer grinds. Given that French Press brewing generally employs a coarser grind, it’s essential to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio accordingly.
#3 Brewing Time - Extended brewing times result in stronger coffee. If you desire a more robust brew, lengthen the brewing time while keeping the coffee-to-water ratio constant.
#4 Personal Taste - In the end, optimal coffee-to-water ratio for you hinges on your individual taste preferences. Explore various ratios through experimentation to pinpoint one that best suits your taste buds.
Coffee-To-Water Ratio For French Press Explained
This ratio, indicating the proportion of coffee-to-water, plays a decisive role in defining whether a cup of coffee is delicious, just drinkable, or undrinkable.
Contrary to the assumption that higher ratios work better with immersion brewers like the French Press, our experience reveals the opposite. In percolation brewers, where water passes through coffee grounds and some water remains after brewing, a filter retains some liquid. However, in a French Press, there is minimal retention, therefore the dosage needs to be increased for better results.
To achieve a strong brew, a French Press coffee ratio of 1:12 creates a powerful cup of coffee. For every 500 grams (17.63 ounces) of water, use 42 grams (1.48 ounces) of coffee. Precision is key, so utilize a coffee scale for accuracy. This ratio makes for a creamy mouthfeel and lots of flavors rolling on your tastebuds.
A coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 yields a well-balanced brew, ideal for taste buds that favor subtle flavors. Add 15 grams (0.52 ounces) of water to every gram of coffee. For 500 grams (17.63 ounces) of water, use 33 grams (1.64 ounces) of coffee. This formula accentuates the fruity and pleasant acidity found in light to medium roasts.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your preferences and the level of intensity you’re looking for in your cup. The most effective approach to discovering your preferred coffee-to-water ratio is through experimentation with various brewing recipes. I recommend exploring ratios ranging from 1:12 to 1:16 for the French Press to determine the ratio that suits your taste best.