French press coffee is one of the most popular and widely used coffee preparation methods in the specialty coffee world, especially in Saudi Arabia, where the desire for rich flavors and a creamy texture is on the rise. This method is characterized by its simplicity and ability to highlight the deep flavors of the coffee beans, making it an ideal choice for coffee lovers seeking a strong and distinctive experience without any complexity. Whether you are a coffee beginner or a café owner seeking an authentic experience, French press coffee offers the perfect balance between simplicity and quality.
French coffee relies on a simple tool known as a French press , a glass or metal pot with a metal plunger that separates the ground coffee from the liquid after brewing. This method allows the natural oils and rich flavors to remain in the cup, resulting in a coffee with a thicker body and a stronger flavor. In this comprehensive article, we'll walk you through the steps of preparing French coffee in detail, along with practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and recommendations for using beans from Saudi roasters like Hawand , Ash , and Duha . We'll also encourage you to explore the tools and beans from the Rafaat Al Qahwa store.
1. What is French coffee and why is it special?
1.1. Definition of French coffee
French press coffee is a brewing method that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water for 4–5 minutes, then separating the coffee from the grounds using a metal press. This method is known for producing full-bodied coffee with rich flavors, retaining the natural oils that impart a distinctive taste.
1.2. Features of French coffee
- Rich Flavor : French coffee retains natural oils, enhancing flavor notes like chocolate and caramel.
- Simplicity : It does not require complex equipment, making it ideal for home or travel.
- Customization : The steeping time and coffee ratio can be controlled to suit different tastes.
- Compatibility with Saudi tastes : The thick texture and strong flavors are in line with Saudis' preference for rich coffee.
2. Tools needed to prepare French coffee
To prepare French coffee, you need the following tools, which you can find at the Luxury Coffee Store:
- French press : A glass or metal jug (such as Bodum or Le Creuset) of a suitable capacity (350-1000 ml).
- Coffee grinder : A manual or electric grinder (such as the Hario Skerton Pro) for a coarse grind.
- Precision digital scale : To accurately measure the amount of coffee and water (such as Hario Drip Scale).
- Kettle : A kettle with a precision spout (such as the Hario Buono) to adjust the water temperature.
- Serving cups : Ceramic or glass cups (such as Loveramics) to keep coffee warm.
- Spoon or whisk : to stir the coffee while steeping.
- Timer : To track soaking time (available on a digital scale or your phone).
3. Steps for preparing French coffee
3.1. Selection of grains
Choosing beans is the first step to ensuring a distinctive experience. Medium to dark roast beans are best suited for French roast coffee because they highlight flavors of chocolate, caramel, and nuts.
- Recommendations from local roasters :
- Hound El Salvador El Carmen 250g : Chocolate and caramel flavors, ideal for French press.
- Ash Ethiopia Hambela 1 kg : Fruity notes with a rich body.
- Doha Yerqacheff : Floral flavors for those who love a light texture.
3.2. Grinding
- Grinding degree : Coarse (similar to coarse sea salt) to avoid excess sediment.
- Quantity : Use a ratio of 1:15 (e.g. 20g coffee per 300ml water).
- Tip : Grind beans just before preparing using a grinder like the Baratza Encore to maintain freshness.
3.3. Heating water
- Temperature : Heat water to 92-96°C (below boiling).
- Tip : Use a kettle with a fine spout like the Fellow Stagg for precise pouring control.
3.4. Coffee preparation
- French press preparation :
- Wash the French press with hot water to warm it up and prevent heat loss.
- Add 20g of ground coffee to the jug.
- Pour the first water (moistening) :
- Pour 40-50 ml of hot water (92-96°C) over the coffee.
- Gently stir the mixture with a spoon and wait 30 seconds for the blooming process to occur, which helps release gases and improve extraction.
- Pour the rest of the water :
- Add 250-260 ml of water gradually in a circular motion to ensure the coffee is fully covered.
- Soaking :
- Place the French press lid on without pressing the plunger, and let the coffee steep for 4 minutes.
- For stronger coffee, steeping can be extended to 5 minutes.
- the pressure :
- Press the plunger slowly and evenly (over 20-30 seconds) to separate the coffee from the grounds.
- Submission :
- Pour coffee directly into ceramic mugs (such as Loveramics) to retain heat.
- Avoid leaving coffee in the French press for too long to prevent over-extraction.
3.5. Customization
- Adding Milk : Try adding steamed or cold milk with your Hound Brazil Cascaval beans for a creamier coffee.
- Adding sauces : Add 10ml of Torani caramel sauce to enhance the chocolate flavors in your Ars cereal.
- Cold Brew : Use a French press to prepare cold brew by steeping 100g of coarse coffee in 1 liter of cold water for 12-24 hours.
4. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
4.1. Very fine grinding
- Problem : Leads to cloudy coffee with excess sediment.
- Solution : Use a coarse grind and check your grinder settings.
4.2. The water temperature is not suitable.
- Problem : Water that is too hot (>96°C) causes a bitter taste, and water that is too cold (<90°C) reduces extraction.
- Solution : Use a thermometer or kettle with a temperature indicator.
4.3. Soaking for a long time
- Problem : Soaking for more than 5 minutes leads to over-extraction and a bitter taste.
- Solution : Use a timer to set the time to 4 minutes.
4.4. Quick pressure
- Problem : Pressing too fast causes sediment to mix with the coffee.
- Solution : Press the plunger slowly and evenly.
5. Tips to Improve Your French Press Coffee Experience
- Choosing the right beans : Choose medium to dark roast beans like Hound Yemeni Al-Adain for rich flavors, or Dhuha Ethiopian for mild flavors.
- Use purified water : Filtered water improves flavor and prevents unwanted effects.
- Cleaning the French press : Wash the jug after each use to remove oils and sediment.
- Experiment with ratios : Try a ratio of 1:12 for a stronger coffee or 1:17 for a lighter coffee.
- Sauce Combinations : Add Da Vinci Vanilla Sauce with El Salvador Hound Beans for a creamy experience.
6. Why is French coffee an ideal choice in Saudi Arabia?
- Compatibility with local tastes : The thick texture and rich flavors are in line with Saudis' preference for strong coffee.
- Ease of preparation : Ideal for homes and small cafes looking for a simple experience.
- Low cost : French presses are economical compared to espresso machines.
Elevate your coffee with the luxury of coffee.
Making French coffee is an experience that combines simplicity and creativity, allowing you to easily explore the rich flavors of coffee beans. By using a French press and following the right steps, you can prepare a coffee with a creamy texture and deep flavors that suit your personal taste. Whether you prefer Hound Brazil Cascaval for chocolate flavors or Ash Ethiopia Hambela for fruity notes, the right tools and beans will make all the difference. At Luxury Coffee , we offer a wide selection of French presses from brands like Bodum and Le Creuset , along with beans from top local roasters like Hound , Ash , and Doha . Visit our online store at [store link] today and order your favorite tools and beans to turn every cup of coffee into a memorable moment. Join the coffee lovers of Saudi Arabia and enjoy the art of specialty coffee with Luxury Coffee !