What’s The Best Coffee For A French Press? (Solved & Explained!)

The best coffee for a French press would be a medium or dark roast coffee ground up right before the brew. While this might add time to the beginning of your day, it’s well worth it for the most delicious cup of French press coffee. 

With everyone having their own preferences, you might have to experiment with different beans before you find one that brews French Press coffee to your satisfaction.

What Type Of Coffee Is Best?

Arabica beans make the best coffee, though you will pay a little bit more for them. This is because of the way they are farmed, which is not only more beneficial for the quality of the coffee, but it often more ethical.

If you are able to purchase Arabica beans that are either locally roasted or are made from farms rather than large companies, you will not only get better quality, but you’ll be supporting responsible farming practices.

What Type Of Coffee Roast Is Best For The French Press?

Being that the French press is a special way to brew coffee, it’s best not to waste the process on a weak coffee bean. Going with a medium or dark roast is best because they tend to have the boldest flavors that are really maximized when using a French press.

What Coffee Flavors Brew Best In A French Press?

Paying attention to the flavor notes on a package of coffee will help you learn so much more about the complexity of coffee. This is why many prefer a French press over other brewing methods; they are one of the best ways to get those particular flavor notes to really bloom.

If you like the bitter taste of coffee, you’ll want to stick with a dark roast. If you like the chocolatey flavor of coffee, you should opt for coffee with notes of chocolate or nuts.

Why Should I Grind Coffee Beans Before Making French Press Coffee?

You will get the freshest, most fragrant and delicious cup of coffee if you grind your beans before using your French press. This is because as coffee grounds sit, they start to lose their flavor, even if they are sealed well.

That being said, sealing your coffee grounds in a tight container is best to delay the process of going stale. When coffee grounds are exposed to oxygen, they start to diminish in quality and flavor.

How Do I Use A French Press?

You first start out by measuring your coffee grounds and your hot water. It is recommended that you have 16 ounces of water for every one ounce of coffee you are planning on using. The stronger you want your coffee, the less water you should use per ounce of coffee.

You want to boil your water; start with cold water to get the best hot water for your coffee. When you’re waiting for your water to boil, you can quickly grind some fresh coffee beans. You should also rinse your French press with hot water for best results.

When everything is ready, put your coffee grounds in the French press carafe first, then slowly pour your boiling water inside. You want to pour just enough water so that your coffee grounds are wet. Let the coffee sit in the hot water for about 30 seconds to a minute.

Swirl the coffee around, then pour the rest of your hot water in. You should then let the coffee sit for a few more minutes to extract all of the flavor as best as possible. It’s best to stir once again and let it steep for a few more minutes.

Finally, you can plunge your coffee to grab up any excess grounds that haven’t dissolved and serve. You don’t have to let your French press coffee steep that long, but this is the best method that has been tried and tested to get the best tasting coffee.

How Can I Perfect My French Press Coffee?

If you follow the above method and don’t find the taste perfect, you can adjust how long you let it sit before plunging and pouring. To decrease how bitter the coffee is, don’t let the coffee steep for as long, or grind your beans a little more. If it’s not strong enough, let it steep for longer.

What Is French Press Coffee Like?

Your finished brew will depend somewhat on what coffee beans you select, but overall, a French press cup of coffee has pronounced flavor. This is ideal for those who really enjoy drinking coffee for its distinct taste, with the caffeine boost as an added bonus.

Does French Press Coffee Taste Good With Milk And Sugar?

French press coffee is actually a perfect choice for those who enjoy some milk, cream, or sugar in their coffee. Being that French press coffee has so much flavor, milk will not have as much of an impact on how the coffee tastes.

In fact, your dairy preference will actually complement the coffee, being that those notes of chocolate, florals, or nuttiness will only taste better with some dairy.

How Does Brewing Time For The French Press Work?

The time it takes to brew coffee in the French press allows for the subtle notes of flavor within your chosen beans to come alive. The filter and plunging action also contributes to the flavor being more pronounced than in drip coffee.

How Does The Metal Filter In A French Press Work?

The metal filter in the French press is part of what contributes to your coffee’s overall taste. It allows the coffee oils and subtle flavors to stay in the coffee, which leads to that heavy mouthfeel and punch of flavor you get with a French press cup.

What Makes The French Press Special?

The French press is one of the most preferred brewing methods for many coffee lovers due to the unique way it brews coffee. While it takes a little more effort than a typical drip coffee maker, the results are definitely worth it.