Why does my coffee have a strong bitterness?
A cup of coffee – Source: spm
Thanks to its polyphenol content, this popular drink offers the body a range of benefits that include both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. On the other hand, do not abuse it and know when is the best time to consume it. Let’s not forget that coffee remains a powerful stimulant and an excess of caffeine can lead to several disorders: not to mention palpitations, irritability, dizziness, anxiety, migraines or even insomnia. Up to you !
Have you felt that little taste of acidity that stays in your mouth following drinking a little coffee? Indeed it is a by-product of caffeine and caffeic acid. But don’t worry – the latter is completely harmless since this compound is prevalent in most plants. It might surprise you to learn that it is the second most common phytochemical in our diet. A level of acidity that can commonly be found in fruits, such as grapes, pears, apples and apricots. Various vegetables like celery, eggplant, carrots or tomatoes also contain this acidity. But tell yourself one thing, if the coffee you usually drink seems too bitter to you, two reasons can explain it. Either the beans are of average quality or you are not preparing it properly.
Read also: Flush the coffee grounds down the toilet: what happens at night is completely unexpected
Drinking coffee – Source: spm
Thinking of giving up coffee because of its high acidity and acid reflux issues? Why come to this? If you are a fan of this black elixir, you can easily continue to drink coffee by simply reducing its acidity thanks to little tricks that my neighbor gave me and which are very easy to apply. First, you can opt for a decaffeinated coffee. Less caffeine will make your drink smoother and less bitter. But otherwise, to obtain a deliciously aromatic and less acidic coffee, a little tip from Laure, my neighbor on the second floor, will make all the difference. All you need to do is insert a bay leaf into the drink immediately following making it. If you are used to drinking instant coffee, the herb should be added on the spot, following pouring boiling water into the container to brew your coffee. It will reduce the bitterness, while bringing a more delicate and fragrant aroma to your coffee!
Other tips to make coffee less bitter or acidic
You would have loved to drink your coffee black and full-bodied, but you can’t stand the bitterness. Therefore, in your preparation ritual, you immediately add cream or sugar to soften it. Which, unfortunately, ends up distorting its taste and making it more caloric. For those who tend to swallow two or three in the day, this is not the best option to keep the line! Don’t worry, we’re going to give you some tips on how to better enjoy your coffee without weighing it down with these tricks.
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Reduce contact with water
Learn that the acids in coffee beans are water soluble (bitter substances, flavorings and caffeine too). Therefore, the shorter the contact of ground coffee with water, the less acidic it will be. If the powder remains in the water for only a short time, the aromatic substances will be dissolved, but not the acids or the bitter substances.
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Ideal infusion temperature of 92°C to 96°C
The hotter the water, the faster the molecules move and extract the ingredients from the coffee powder. Opt for a temperature oscillating between 92 and 96°C. If the infusion is below 85°C, your coffee may taste watery and unpleasant.
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Add a small pinch of salt
You might never have thought of it, but adding a small amount of salt to your coffee can help reduce its bitterness and revive its taste. If the idea does not appeal to you, there is still the possibility of dissipating the acidity by adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla. You will thus give a unique and singular flavor to your coffee, almost festive even!
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Coarsely grind the grains
If you have thick enough coffee grounds, your coffee will break down more slowly. This is why it is advisable to reduce the bitterness by grinding the grains more coarsely. By brewing your coffee this way, you will get less extraction, and therefore less bitterness.
Read also: How to fix a sink clogged with coffee grounds?
Don’t want to change your grind size? In this case, make sure to reduce the infusion time. If you have a French press, for example, you just need to reduce your brew by 15 seconds. Normally, this should limit the bitterness, while still giving you enough sweetness.
Noticed If none of these options work, then perhaps you should consider switching coffees. Generally, 100% arabica coffees are much more acidic than mixed and balanced coffees in flavor (robusta & arabica).
Read also: What are the benefits of coffee beans?