Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most popular beverages in the world. Naturally, it is served in many different ways because not everyone enjoys its natural taste. Coffee can be quite acidic, which doesn't appeal to everyone. In the text below, we will explain exactly why coffee can taste acidic and what influences the flavor of specialty coffee.
- The quality of roasting specialty coffee influences the flavor
- The natural acidic nature of coffee
- The quality of brewing specialty coffee
- The grind size of specialty coffee matters
The quality of roasting specialty coffee influences the flavor
The final taste of coffee largely depends on the type and quality of the roasting process. Often, coffees from popular retail chains and large stores have a fairly acidic taste. This may be due to the fact that, during mass production, producers do not place as high a priority on flavor quality control. In contrast, freshly roasted specialty coffees undergo more rigorous flavor quality control, with the roasting process aimed at extracting the maximum amount of natural aromas from the beans.
It is worth noting that specialty coffee roasters target a slightly different audience. In mass-market products, the main appeal is often the consistency of flavor and strong caffeine content. Specialty coffees, however, are roasted in ways that allow for a variety of flavors, which are highly valued by enthusiasts. Therefore, when looking for coffee that isn't too acidic, it's advisable to pay attention to the acidity ratings provided by the roaster on the packaging.
The natural acidic nature of coffee
Coffee is naturally an acidic beverage. While its taste can vary between different types and roast levels, the pH level remains consistent. Both specialty and mass-produced coffees, when tested with litmus paper, typically show an acidic pH ranging from 5.9 to 5.0. So, when reading acidity ratings, it's important to remember that if the rating is at the lower end of the scale, a properly brewed coffee will still be slightly acidic. Many people who aren't fond of this characteristic often add a little milk to the beverage to balance the acidity.
The quality of brewing specialty coffee
No matter how high-quality the beans are, it's easy to spoil the taste of coffee through improper brewing. Signs of poorly brewed coffee include an overly bitter taste. In such cases, adding a little milk can help soften the flavor and make the coffee easier to drink.
The grind size of specialty coffee matters
It's important to remember that the finer the coffee grounds, the more flavor and aroma can be extracted. This also means that coffees brewed with very finely ground beans can result in an overwhelmingly intense taste, even when not desired. When brewing coffee, for example, in a drip coffee maker, the grind should be medium, not fine as it would be for espresso.
As you can see, coffee is naturally an acidic beverage. The flavor is mainly influenced by the type and quality of the beans as well as the roasting style. If you're wondering why your coffee tastes more bitter or different than usual, it's also worth checking whether it was brewed correctly, as improper handling of the grounds can greatly affect the final flavor.
