What is Better for French Press Coffee: Fine Grain or Coarse Grain?

In the world of coffee brewing, there is often debate around the perfect grind size for extracting the best flavor. When it comes to the French press, the traditional wisdom often suggests using a coarse grind to prevent fine particles from passing through the plunger and clogging the filter. However, modern advancements in French press filters and brewing techniques have challenged this conventional advice. Let's explore the nuances of using fine versus coarse grain in French press coffee.

Modern French Press Filters and Brewing Techniques

The idea that a coarser grind is necessary to avoid fines is no longer accurate with the current generation of French press filters. In fact, a medium-fine grind setting can provide exceptional results. This is particularly noteworthy as highlighted by James Hoffman's popular brewing recipe, which allows for a finer grind while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cup of coffee. The key is to use a filter that can handle a finer grind without letting through too many particles.

Suitable Grind for French Press

For a traditional French press, a coarser grind is indeed recommended. The texture of the grind should resemble granulated sugar for optimal performance. This is crucial because a finer grind can make it difficult to push the plunger through the filter, resulting in an unpleasant brewing experience.

However, the perceived incompatibility of fine grind with the French press is a myth. The built-in metal mesh filters in modern French presses have become finer, allowing for the extraction of rich flavors without the risk of grounds slipping into the brewed coffee. This means that with the right filter, a finer grind can be used to achieve a more nuanced and robust flavor profile.

Using finely ground coffee in a French press will result in a highly acidic and bitter flavor, which is generally not desirable. The increased surface area of fine grinds leads to over-extraction, resulting in an unpleasant taste. Therefore, coarsely ground coffee is the recommended choice to achieve a balanced and aromatic cup.

Brewing with French Espresso Grind

For those who wish to experiment with more intense flavors, using an espresso grind in a French press can yield excellent results. This technique, popularized by some coffee enthusiasts, involves using a very fine grind almost equivalent to an espresso grind. This method not only maximizes the extraction but also ensures that the brewed coffee remains smooth and free of grounds.

The recommended grind size for such a technique is quite finere. For a true espresso-like experience, double the amount of finely ground coffee for the same volume of water. For a single cup, use 4 tablespoons of coffee, and for half a cup, use 2 tablespoons. Add a pinch of sugar, salt, and a small amount of cinnamon to enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right grind for your French press, the goal is to strike a balance between extraction and filter performance. While coarser grinds remain the standard, medium-fine grinds can also produce excellent results with the right equipment and technique. Experimenting with different grind sizes can help you find the optimal blend for your taste preferences.