Hello Raven family!
As we move through March, it feels like a good time to return to ritual.
Not rushing the brew.
Not rushing the body.
Just giving yourself a few intentional minutes before the day begins.
This month we’re sharing one of our favorites, a classic that many people started their coffee journey with: the French press.
A simple 9 minute brew, paired with a gentle wake up routine.
Why 9 minutes?
Most French press recipes stop at 4. We’ve found that extending the contact time (with a properly coarse grind) deepens body and pulls forward heavier chocolate notes especially in Central and South American coffees.
*Recipe*
We like a 17:1 ratio (coffee to water):
30g coffee (coarse think flaky sea salt)
510g water
96°C water (just off boil)
Total time: 9 minutes
*Method*
1. Warm up your French press with hot water.
2. Dump the water and add your grounds.
3. Slowly pour your water over the grounds, a gentle pour helps form a nice crust on top.
4. At 4 minutes: break the crust gently and skim the foam.
5. Let sit undisturbed until 9 minutes.
6. Press slowly and pour immediately.
Expect heavier body, softer edges and layered sweetness.
8 Minute Wake Up Stretch (storyboard below for reference)
1. Minute 1–2
2–3 deep breaths
Arm swings x10 (one hand taps the shoulder, the other taps the kidney then switch)
2. Minute 2–3
Hip circles
30 seconds each direction
3. Minute 3–4
Knee circles
slight bend in the knees
30 seconds each direction
4. Minute 4–5
Standing hamstring stretch
one foot slightly forward
hinge gently at the hips
30 seconds each side
5. Minute 5–6
Neck circles
use your nose to slowly draw circles
30 seconds each direction
Minute 6–7
Slow nasal breaths
eyes closed or soft
6. Minute 7–8
Arm swings x10
same as the start, find a relaxed rhythm
Coffee lands differently when the body is awake.
Stay tuned for a special announcement — we’ll be hosting an event this May.
See you next month.
With gratitude,
All of us at Raven Coffee
