How long should coffee be brewed for optimal flavor in methods like French press?

For methods like French press, brewing coffee for 4 to 5 minutes is considered optimal for flavor extraction. This duration allows the water to properly interact with the coffee grounds, promoting the dissolution of aromatic oils, sugars, and other flavor compounds that contribute to a well-balanced cup. Brewing for this amount of time strikes a balance between under-extraction, which can result in a weak and sour flavor, and over-extraction, leading to bitterness.

In the context of brewing time, if the coffee is steeped for less than 4 minutes, it may not develop its full flavor potential, as the extraction process might not be sufficient. Conversely, brewing longer than 5 minutes can lead to over-extraction, where the coffee starts to release undesirable bitter compounds. Thus, 4 to 5 minutes is the sweet spot for crafting a delicious French press coffee.