A Guide to Making French Press Coffee Less Acidic

For coffee lovers who appreciate a smooth and balanced brew, acidity can sometimes be a challenge. If you’re wondering how to make your French press coffee taste less acidic, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll explore insights from top Google search results and share expert tips to help you achieve a less acidic and more enjoyable cup of French press coffee. Get ready to embark on a journey to unlock the smoothness and richness in every sip.

Choose Low Acid Coffee Beans

Start by choosing coffee beans that are naturally lower in acid. Look for beans labeled “low acid,” “mild,” or from regions known for producing beans with lower acidity. Colombian and Brazilian beans are often considered good options in this regard.

Low acid coffee bean brands

While tastes vary, here are a few popular low-acid coffee bean brands to consider trying:

• Java Planet: Java Planet offers a range of low-acid coffee options that are gentle on the stomach and have a smooth flavor profile. They prioritize organic and fair trade practices.
• Puroast Coffee: Puroast Coffee is known for its low-acid coffee beans that undergo a proprietary roasting process to reduce acidity. Their beans are available in a variety of roast levels and flavor profiles.
• HealthWise Coffee: HealthWise Coffee specializes in low-acid coffee that is designed to be gentle on sensitive stomachs. They offer a wide variety of blends and single origin coffees to suit different preferences.
• Tieman’s Fusion Coffee: Tieman’s Fusion Coffee combines coffee beans with various natural ingredients to create low acid blends. They offer unique flavors such as coconut, cinnamon, and mocha for those looking for a distinctive taste.
• Trucup Coffee: Trucup Coffee focuses on producing low acid coffee that is easy on the digestive system. They have a variety of roasts and flavor profiles to choose from.

Remember that taste preferences can vary, so it’s always a good idea to experiment with different brands and varieties to find the low acid coffee beans that suit your individual palate.

Optimal Grind Size

Grind size can affect the acidity of your coffee. For a French press, aim for a coarser grind. This allows for a slower extraction process, resulting in a smoother and less acidic cup. Consistency is key, so be sure to use a burr grinder for an even grind.

Water Temperature

The temperature of the water used for brewing also plays a major role in acidity. Aim for a slightly cooler water temperature, between 195°F (90°C) and 205°F (96°C). This helps reduce the extraction of acidic compounds, resulting in a milder flavor profile.

Infusion Time

Controlling the infusion time in your French press is critical to acidity management. Reduce the infusion time by a minute or two. Start with about 3-4 minutes and adjust to your taste preferences. This reduces the contact time between the coffee grounds and the water, resulting in a smoother, less acidic brew.

Water to Coffee Ratio

Experiment with the water-to-coffee ratio to further reduce acidity. Increasing the ratio slightly by adding a little more water can help dilute the overall acidity. Start with a ratio of 1:15 (1 gram of coffee per 15 grams of water) and adjust as needed.

Filtering Your French Press Coffee

After pressing down on the plunger, consider pouring the brewed coffee through a paper filter or fine-mesh strainer. This extra step will help remove any remaining sediment or oils that can contribute to acidity, resulting in a cleaner and smoother cup.

Techniques for Reducing Coffee Acidity

There are brewing techniques that can help reduce the acidity of coffee. Here are some techniques to consider:

1. Cold brewing: Cold brewing is a popular method for making a smoother, less acidic cup of coffee. This technique involves soaking coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, typically 12 to 24 hours. The slow extraction process at lower temperatures produces a coffee concentrate that is lower in acidity and bitterness. Dilute the concentrate with water or milk to your desired strength and enjoy a milder brew.
2. Add milk or cream: Adding milk or cream to your coffee can help neutralize acidity and create a smoother taste. The proteins in dairy products can bind to the acidic compounds, reducing their impact on the overall flavor. Experiment with different amounts of milk or cream to find the right balance for your taste preferences.
3. Use a coarser grind: When brewing coffee, using a coarser grind can help reduce acidity. Finer grounds extract faster and can result in a more acidic cup. Conversely, a coarser grind allows for slower extraction, reducing the release of acidic compounds and producing a smoother flavor. Adjust your grinder settings accordingly to achieve a coarser grind for a less acidic brew.
4. Water filtration: The quality and composition of the water used for brewing can affect the acidity of the coffee. Hard water with high mineral content can contribute to a more acidic taste. Using filtered or soft water can help reduce acidity and create a cleaner flavor profile. Consider using a water filtration system or bottled water to improve the quality of the water used in your brewing process.

Remember that coffee acidity is also influenced by factors such as coffee bean origin, roast level, and individual preferences. Experimenting with different brewing techniques and adjusting variables such as grind size, water quality, and brewing method can help you achieve a cup of coffee with reduced acidity and a flavor profile that suits your taste.

The bottom line

By implementing these expert tips from top Google search results, you can successfully reduce acidity in your French press coffee and unlock a smoother, more balanced flavor profile. Remember to select low-acid coffee beans and adjust the grind size, water temperature, infusion time, and water-to-coffee ratio to suit your preferences. With each carefully crafted brew, you’ll be able to savor the rich flavors and enjoy a less acidic, more enjoyable cup of French press coffee.

FAQs

How can I make french press coffee taste less acidic?

To make French press coffee less acidic

1. Select low acid coffee beans.
2. Use a coarse grind.
3. Set the water temperature slightly cooler.
4. Reduce the brewing time.
5. Consider using a paper filter when pouring.

These steps can help reduce acidity and produce a smoother tasting cup of French press coffee.

How do you make French press less acidic?

The finer the grind, the more acids are going to be extracted into the cup. If you brew on drip, try a larger grind size with more coffee — you should get a fuller, less acidic cup. Generally, immersion brewing (cold brew or French press) with a coarse grind is the best way to get a lower-acid coffee at home.

Why does my French press coffee taste acidic?

However too acidic probably means that your coffee is underextracted. That means the water hasn’t had enough time or wasn’t hot enough to extract the flavor compounds you want out of the ground coffee. There are a few variables that will influence extraction with french press.

How do you make French press coffee not sour?

If a French press brews coffee that is too bitter, it’s usually because the grounds are extracted too much. Steeping the coffee shorter, using a slightly coarser grind and using cooler water will reduce the bitterness enough in most cases. Coffee that’s roasted too dark can also be an issue.

What to add to coffee to make it less acidic?

You can make coffee less acidic by simply adding milk. The calcium in milk neutralizes some of the acids in the coffee, and many love the way it smooths out the flavor of a cup of coffee. Milk works particularly well in dark-roast coffee, which is typically lower in acidity to begin with.

Is French press coffee less acidic than drip coffee?

A french press does produce less acidic coffee than other types but if you use the cold brew method.

Does cream in coffee make it less acidic?

Adding Milk or Cream is another best way to lower the coffee’s acid levels if you like your coffee with additives. Milk or cream helps neutralize some of the acidity. The calcium in these components helps balance the coffee’s pH, making it less acidic.

Is pressed coffee less acidic?

Personal trainer Max Lowery found cold brew much more palatable than regular coffee. The reason for this is that the process for making cold brew removes around 70% of the acidity, which means it doesn’t inflame the gut lining in the same way.