french press coffee tips?

Don't overextract. That's where bitterness crashes the party.

If too strong, instead of adding more hot water to Press & overextracting - top up mug with hot water for something akin to an Americano and/or add warmed, if not frothed milk. You can use French Press to froth milk.

Mrs Santa got me an Aeropress, which is kickass. Couple that with Lavazza Crema e Gusto & lots will get done.

In either case, coffee grounds will be used again to lower soil ph.


- via iPhone

 

Don't use boiling hot water and don't let it steep too long.

 

I'd also look into getting an eva solo and chemex.....as well as better coffee petes is really terrible low end coffee. They've purchased intelligentsia but haven't ruined them (yet but that day is coming for the sell outs) and intelligentsias single origins are still really good. Cultivar coffee is also very good.

 

Lots to discuss here.

First is the bean you're using. Everyone has a flavor profile they prefer, it takes a lot of experimentation. One thing is for sure, freshest is best. I'd guess the Peets you're trying now is months old. Do a search on local coffee roasters and try a few out. Or you can go online, a few of my favorites are Anodyne Coffee in Milwaukee, Temple Coffee in Sacramento and Intelligentsia in Chicago. I'm getting ready to place an order with CremaBean in Naperville, IL. Whomever I order from, I typically have the vendor grind what I use for my French Press. Tell them you need a French Press #9 grind.

Second is the French Press itself. There are a bunch of units on the market, most are glass. I like the steel Espro presses the best. They have the best filter and also hold the right amount of heat to make a really good cup of coffee.

Then there are steps to ensure you're getting the best coffee from your setup. I boil a kettle of water. I fill the French Press container with the boiling water and swirl it for a bit to bring it to temperature, then discard the water. I add the appropriate amount of coffee and then hot water, and stir. I put the filter on and let it steep 3 minutes. Push the plunger to filter, then pour.

One thing to remember with coffee, everything is interrelated. The bean, the grind, the age, how much coffee, the temperature, etc. Try to control all the variables so you can focus on one. It will be a learning process but it will go quickly.

Another pointer--don't worry about sludge (the grinds and residue that get around the filter into your cup).

In my opinion, a French Press can deliver the "perfect" cup of coffee.

 

I don't know about "perfect," but I've never had a cup of coffee that tastes better than one properly done with a French press, unless perhaps with the old percolator over the woodstove at my family's cabin - but that had to be freshly purchased 8 O'Clock coffee bought & ground that day or the day before at the local A&P

 

I just had a nice chat with the proprietor of CremaBean in Naperville, IL. She's very knowledgable and gave me some great recommendations on which of her coffees to try. I placed an order and will report back on the Costa Rican City roast she recommended for my French Press.

 

I agree, best to stay away from any roaster that does not date their packaging.