For which brewing method is a coarse grind recommended?

A coarse grind is recommended for the French Press brewing method because it allows for optimal extraction while preventing over-extraction and bitterness. The French Press works by steeping coffee grounds in hot water, which means that the coffee spends a longer time in contact with the water compared to other brewing methods. A coarse grind helps to maintain the integrity of the coffee particles, allowing for a smooth and balanced flavor profile. If a finer grind were used, it could lead to a muddy cup and an overly bitter taste due to the prolonged extraction of the coffee oils and compounds.

In contrast, methods like espresso, which require a fine grind, extract flavors more quickly due to high pressure, while brewing devices such as cone and flat bottom filters typically use medium grinds that can steep effectively without the risk of over-extraction that finer grinds carry in those contexts. Thus, for the French Press specifically, a coarse grind is ideal for achieving the desired taste and texture of the final brew.