French Press pt2

Learn this tried and true coffee brewing method con't

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, listeners of the Internet. I cannot thank you enough
for stopping by for another episode of the Coffee and
Cafe Podcast, a show dedicated to all you caffeine fiends
and addicts out there. We love our beans, can't live
without them. Folks. You should be aware that today's episode

(00:24):
is going to be a continuation of last week's episode
where we got into the glorious French press tried and true, simple.
Some of them you can't even break, but you can
make a darn good cup of coffee with one. We

(00:45):
started off talking about the overall history of the French
press and the basic step by step brewing process. We
talked about bean choice for your cup of coffee and
why size matters. That's grinding size, that is. We talked

(01:07):
about finer details like coffee to water ratio, cleaning and maintenance.
We talked about a lot you'll want to go back
in check it out. Today's episode, we're talking about French
press troubleshooting. Now that you've got your French press and
made your first cup, how was it? If it was weak?

(01:32):
Were overly bitter? Well, this can occur from using the
wrong grind size. I said that size matters incorrect water
temperature or improper coffee to water ratios. Adjusting the grind
size and brewing time will help. If you experience a

(01:55):
clogged plunger. A fine grind or overlfilled French breast can
lead to clogs. Insure you are using a coarse grind
and don't overpack your French breas. If you experience too
much sediment, fine particles can pass through the mesh filter

(02:18):
if it is worn or the grind sizes too fine,
consider replacing the filter or adjusting the grind size. What
to pair with your French press coffee well. French press
coffee pairs wonderfully with pastries, croissants, and rich breakfast like eggs, bacon,

(02:38):
or avocado toast. Desserts like rich chocolate cakes or Cheesecakes
and cookies compliment the bold flavors of French pressed coffee.
The fully bodied brew pairs with sweet, decadent foods. Nut
based snacks, especially almonds or hazel nuts, pare nicely with

(02:59):
the the earthy flavors of French press coffee. Here's some
unique French press coffee recipes. For a mocha French press,
add a teaspoonful cocoal powder and sugar to the coffee
grounds before brewing for a chocolatey twist. Add a spoonful

(03:22):
of caramel syrup after brewing, or infuse coffee grounds with
caramel flavoring for a caramel French press. And you can
use a combination of cinnamon or cardamom at a touch
of black pepper to create a warming, spiced French press.
Let's dive into some of the French press innovations today.

(03:47):
French press has come in a variety of materials, including
stainless steel, copper, and heat resistant glass. Some models feature
double walled insulation to keep coffee hot for longer. There
are also new French presses made with environmentally friendly materials

(04:07):
like bamboo or recycled plastics, aiming to reduce waste. Some
new French presses feature integrated timers, temperature gages, or even
built down grinders for enhanced convenience and precision. Let's understand

(04:28):
the coffee extraction process. Extraction refers to the process of
dissolving flavors, oils, and other solubles from coffee grounds into
the water during brewing. The goal is to extract the
optimal balance of flavors from the beans without over extracting

(04:48):
bitter compounds or under extracting delicate flavors. Under extraction occurs
when the water hasn't been in contact with the coffee
grounds long enough. The result is a weak, sour, or
watery cup of coffee because not enough of the desirable
flavors or have been dissolved. Over extraction happens when the

(05:13):
coffee grounds are in contact with water for too long
or the grind size is too fine, leading to excessive
bitterness and astringency. Here's how to control the extraction in
a French press. Firstly, with brew time. A longer brew

(05:33):
time will extract more flavors, but can result in over
extraction if left too long. Nextly, grind size. A coarser
grind size will result in less surface area and slower extraction,
while the finer grind will accelerate extraction. If your water

(05:54):
is too hot, it can cause over extraction, while being
too cold can result in under extraction. Next, let's take
a look at how different roasts affect the French press.
Lightly roasted coffee beans are often more acidic and have brighter,

(06:15):
fruitier flavors. The French press is a great method to
preserve and highlight these subtle notes, since the longer extraction
time will extract the complex flavors without overpowering them. Medium
roasts typically have a balanced profile with moderate acidity, sweetness,

(06:36):
and body. The French press is perfect for this roast
level as it allows for a fuller, well rounded flavor.
Dark roast coffee is bold and smoky with reduced acidity.
The French press method enhances these deeper, richer flavors, but

(06:58):
be cautious not to overbrew, as it can make the
coffee too bitter or intense. Specialty coffee beans from specific regions, farms,
or even specific lots are often unique in flavor profiles.
The French press method is ideal for highlighting these distinct

(07:19):
flavors because it extracts more oils and nuances from the beans. Blends,
which are designed to offer a balanced and consistent flavor profile,
are excellent in the French press. This method allows the
multiple flavors of the blend to merge together for a
rich and full bodied cup of coffee. Many coffee enthusiasts

(07:43):
experiment with unusual and experimental coffees in the French press,
such as honey, processed beans or natural processed beans, which
can have unique characteristics like fruity or floral notes that
the French press brings out. How to make stronger French

(08:03):
press coffee well. One way is to increase the coffee
to water ratio. For a more intense brew, you can
try a ratio of one to twelve one gram of
coffee per twelve grams of water instead of the typical
one to fifteen. You can extend a steeping time by

(08:23):
an additional minute or two allows four more flavors to extract. However,
be cautious of over extracting, which can result in bitterness.
A slightly finer grind increases the surface area of the coffee,
which speeds up the extraction and can make coffee more concentrated.

(08:43):
This should be done carefully, as too fine a grind
can cause sludgy coffee or clog filter. While it's best
to brew the coffee and drink it right away, some
people prefer to reheat their French press coffee to make
it hotter and in some cases stronger. For many, brewing

(09:05):
a cup of French press coffee is an integral part
of their morning routine. The slow brewing process allows time
to enjoy the anticipation of a freshly brewed cup. The
tactile experience of pressing the plunger also adds a sensory
aspect to the routine. French press brewing encourages a more

(09:26):
mindful approach to coffee, as the user must pay attention
to every step boiling the water, grinding the beans, and
pressing the plunger. This can create a more thoughtful and
intentional coffee experience. Brewing with a French press can also
be a communal activity, especially when making multiple cups. Sharing

(09:49):
a French press pot with friends or a family can
be a more social, relaxed experience compared to individual cups
from drip machines or single serve pod brewer. The French
press brewing method extracts a higher proportion of caffeine from
the coffee grounds compared to drip brewing. Because the coffee

(10:11):
grounds are fully immersed in water for an extended period,
more caffeine is extracted into the coffee. A longer brewing
time can increase caffeine extraction as well, although the ratio
of a coffee to water is the most significant factor. Folks, Unfortunately,

(10:31):
that's all the time we've got for today's episode of
the Coffee and Cafe podcast. My cup just ran out,
so I've got to go make another until next time.
I hope you've enjoyed this episode. Thank you so much
for listening.