What grind consistency is recommended for a French press?

For a French press, a coarse grind is recommended because it allows for optimal extraction while preventing over-extraction, which can lead to undesirable flavors in the brewed coffee. The coarse grind size creates a larger surface area for the water to interact with the coffee grounds, facilitating an even extraction. This method also allows for easier filtration and avoids clogging the mesh screen of the French press, ensuring a smooth and clean cup of coffee without excessive sediment.

Using a fine or extra fine grind would increase the surface area too much, resulting in over-extraction and a bitter taste, while a medium grind might not extract flavors as efficiently. Therefore, a coarse grind strikes the perfect balance for brewing coffee in a French press.