What grind size is recommended for the French Press?

The recommended grind size for the French Press is coarse. This is because the brewing method for a French Press involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water for an extended period, typically around four minutes. A coarse grind allows for the coffee grounds to be suspended in the water without creating excessive bitterness or over-extraction. Additionally, coarser grounds prevent clogging of the mesh filter, resulting in a smoother and sediment-free cup of coffee.

Using a fine grind in a French Press would likely lead to over-extraction, producing a bitter taste, and could also create difficulty when pressing the filter down due to the compactness of the fine particles. A medium fine or medium grind can be used, but they may yield an unsatisfactory result in terms of clarity and taste compared to the coarser option. Thus, coarsely ground coffee is ideal for achieving a balanced and flavorful cup in this brewing method.