Understand more about the bitterness of coffee. Causes and how to reduce bitterness.

Coffee with its rich aroma and characteristic bitterness, has become an indispensable part of countless lives. However, coffee's bitterness isn't solely due to caffeine – there's more to it than meets the eye. Join Hạt A Cafe as we uncover the secrets behind coffee's bitterness and explore ways to customize your cup to your liking!

Where does bitterness come from?

Coffee's bitterness is a combination of factors, not just caffeine alone. While caffeine is a natural stimulant with a bitter taste found in coffee beans, it's not the only contributor. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) also plays a significant role. During roasting, CGA partially breaks down into humic acid, further increasing bitterness. Additionally, compounds like phenylindanes and lactones contribute to coffee's unique bitter profile.

What Influences coffee's bitterness?

The bitterness of coffee isn't constant; it varies depending on several factors. The type of coffee you choose, the roast level, grind size, brewing method, brewing time, and water temperature all influence the final bitterness of your cup.

Robusta coffee tends to be more bitter than Arabica due to its higher caffeine content. Darker roasts are more bitter because roasting creates more bitter compounds. A finer grind means more surface area is exposed to water, extracting more bitterness. Different brewing methods extract different bitter compounds with espresso generally being more bitter than phin coffee. Longer brewing time extracts more bitter substances. Finally, excessively high water temperature can scorch coffee, creating an unpleasant burnt bitterness.

How to reduce coffee's bitterness

If you're not a fan of strong bitterness, don't worry – there are many ways to adjust it to your taste. First, you can choose Arabica coffee or a lighter roast to reduce natural bitterness. Next, adjust your grind to be slightly coarser and control your brewing time to avoid over-extraction.

Using water at the right temperature, around 90-96°C (194-205°F), is crucial to prevent scorching and burnt flavors. You can also add milk or sugar to balance bitterness or use a paper filter to trap some of the coffee oils and bitter compounds. Another tip is to add a pinch of salt, which not only reduces bitterness but also enhances the coffee's flavor.

While adjustable, bitterness remains an integral part of coffee, contributing to its unique and alluring flavor. Bitterness not only provides refreshment but also stimulates the taste buds, helping you feel more alert and focused.

Conclusion

Understanding coffee's bitterness allows you to appreciate it more fully and confidently tailor its flavor to your preferences. Experiment with different brewing methods and coffee varieties to find your perfect recipe. And don't forget to visit Hạt A Cafe to discover more fascinating coffee secrets!