The Coffee Academy

Coffee Academy

How to Brew the Perfect French Press Coffee

The French Press is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enjoy coffee. It produces a rich, full-bodied cup that highlights the natural flavours and oils of the coffee bean.

What You'll Need

  • French Press
  • Freshly roasted Rescue Roast coffee
  • Grinder
  • Hot water (92–96°C)
  • Spoon
  • Timer

Recommended Ratio

  • 60g coffee per litre of water
  • For a standard 350ml French Press: 21g coffee

Grind Size

Use a coarse grind, similar to coarse sea salt.

Brewing Steps

  1. Preheat your French Press with hot water.
  2. Add freshly ground coffee.
  3. Pour half the water over the grounds.
  4. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in the remaining water.
  6. Stir gently.
  7. Place the lid on without pressing.
  8. Brew for 4 minutes.
  9. Slowly press the plunger down.
  10. Serve immediately.

Common Mistakes

  • Grinding too fine
  • Brewing for too long
  • Using boiling water

Rescue Roast Tip

For a richer cup, increase the brew time to 4½ minutes.

Coffee Academy

How to Make Café-Quality Coffee with a Plunger

Many people think expensive machines are necessary to make great coffee. A simple plunger can produce exceptional results when used correctly.

Why It Works

The metal filter allows natural coffee oils to remain in the cup, creating a fuller flavour profile.

Best Coffee Choices

Medium and dark roasts generally work best in a French Press.

Ideal Water Temperature

92°C – 96°C

The Golden Rule

Freshly grind your coffee immediately before brewing.

Storage Tips

Keep coffee:

  • In an airtight container
  • Away from sunlight
  • Away from heat
  • Away from moisture

Avoid

  • Refrigerating coffee
  • Freezing daily-use coffee
  • Leaving coffee exposed to air

Rescue Roast Tip

Use filtered water whenever possible. Water quality has a major impact on flavour.

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Coffee Grind Sizes Explained

One of the biggest factors affecting coffee flavour is grind size.

Extra Coarse

Best for:

  • Cold Brew

Texture:

  • Similar to peppercorns

Coarse

Best for:

  • French Press

Texture:

  • Sea salt

Medium-Coarse

Best for:

  • Pour Over
  • Chemex

Texture:

  • Rough sand

Medium

Best for:

  • Drip Coffee Makers

Texture:

  • Table salt

Fine

Best for:

  • Espresso

Texture:

  • Fine beach sand

Extra Fine

Best for:

  • Turkish Coffee

Texture:

  • Powder

Why Grind Size Matters

If coffee is too fine:

  • Bitter
  • Over-extracted

If coffee is too coarse:

  • Sour
  • Weak
  • Under-extracted

Rescue Roast Tip

If your coffee tastes bitter, grind slightly coarser. If it tastes weak, grind slightly finer.

Coffee Academy

How to Store Coffee Properly

Coffee begins losing flavour from the moment it is roasted. Proper storage helps maintain freshness for longer.

Coffee's Biggest Enemies

  1. Oxygen
  2. Moisture
  3. Heat
  4. Light

Best Storage Method

Store coffee:

  • In an airtight container
  • In a cool cupboard
  • Away from direct sunlight

Should You Refrigerate Coffee?

No.

Refrigerators introduce moisture and unwanted odours which coffee can absorb.

How Long Does Coffee Stay Fresh?

Whole Beans:

  • Best within 4–8 weeks after roasting

Ground Coffee:

  • Best within 2–4 weeks after opening

Signs Your Coffee Is No Longer Fresh

  • Flat aroma
  • Dull flavour
  • Lack of sweetness
  • Reduced crema in espresso

Rescue Roast Tip

Buy smaller quantities more often to enjoy maximum freshness.

Coffee Academy

Arabica vs Robusta: What's the Difference?

When buying coffee, you'll often see the terms Arabica and Robusta. These are the two most common coffee species in the world.

Arabica

Characteristics:

  • Sweeter flavour
  • More complex aromas
  • Fruity and chocolate notes
  • Lower caffeine

Typically:

  • Higher quality
  • Grown at higher altitudes

Robusta

Characteristics:

  • Stronger flavour
  • Earthy notes
  • More bitterness
  • Higher caffeine content

Typically:

  • Used in espresso blends
  • Produces more crema

Which Is Better?

Neither is objectively better.

Choose Arabica if you enjoy:

  • Smooth coffee
  • Sweet flavours
  • Complexity

Choose Robusta if you enjoy:

  • Strong coffee
  • High caffeine
  • Bold flavour

Why Many Roasters Blend Them

A blend can offer:

  • Smooth flavour from Arabica
  • Body and crema from Robusta
  • Excellent espresso performance

Rescue Roast Tip

Experiment with different origins and blends to discover your personal preference. Coffee enjoyment is highly personal, and there is no single "best" coffee for everyone.