Bitter coffee is a problem for many beginners. Coffee has complex flavors based on coffee oils, caffeine and other coffee compounds that researchers are trying to understand, and plenty of questions still remain.
Some coffees taste more bitter because of where they were grown, or how they were roasted.
Taste is very subjective, however, and different people experience the same coffee differently. It might taste more or less bitter to someone else. Some people notice this immediately, while others barely notice it and focus on other flavors in their coffee. Some people actually like a bitter edge to their coffee and others find it extremely unpleasant.
Making coffee less bitter
Here are some suggestions for making better tasting coffee.
1. The roast matters. If you find your dark roast makes a bitter brew, you may want to try a medium roast. The medium roast has less soluble solids, a higher acid content, and a potent aroma as compared to many dark roasts. These factors all can decrease perceived bitterness. Ironically, the lightest roasts can be more bitter than a medium roast. Also surprisingly, one of the darkest roasts, French Roast, often has a smoother, less bitter taste.
2. Consider changing to decaffeinated. The decaf process slightly reduces perceived coffee bitterness.
3. Try buying whole beans that have been soaked. Sometimes called the ferment-and-wash process, this is used in Kenya and can reduce bitterness.
4. Try brewing with a different type of coffee maker. The drip system makes the smoothest and least bitter brew, using a quality paper filter. Coffee made in a French press generally will be more bitter because of increased soluble solids from the longer brewing process.
5. Pay attention to the water temperature. Higher temperatures will result in over-extraction, often pulling undesired flavors from the ground coffee.
6. Avoid overly fine grinds. Finer grinds expose more surface of the particles, which can cause harsh flavors if the hot water is left in contact with the grind too long. Generally the faster the brewing process, the finer the grind will be needed. That is why espresso machines can use fine grinds, but you should use a courser ground for press pots.
7. Don't stew your coffee. For most drip makers, the brew sits in a glass carafe on a hot plate. The hot plate causes flavor to change quickly, making it more worse the longer it stays on the the hot plate. Try using a thermal carafe instead.
Interestingly, higher caffeine has a limited effect on increased bitterness.
If you continue to have problems with brewing bitter coffee, you may want to try a different maker. A single serve system can be a great way to brew your favorite hot drink, with no fuss. You can also buy a variety of beans and experiment with the grinds to find one that tastes right for you.
DJ Toman is a lawyer and coffee enthusiast living in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is the author of http://www.CoffeeDaydreams.com, a site dedicated to gourmet coffee and choosing the best coffee makers. Even beginners get helpful tips about how to brew and enjoy the coffee of their dreams, for a lifelong adventure exploring specialty coffee.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DJ_Toman
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