Coffee Acidity

WHAT IS COFFEE ACIDITY?

Whenever you drink a cup of coffee, you might notice a unique crisp, tart, or sweet flavor. This taste relates directly to the acids present in the coffee, as your tongue can identify different tangs based on the level of acidity in a liquid. It’s important to understand how acidity affects coffee because people crave specific tastes.

As green coffee beans undergo the roasting process, the acid elements change, which results in the end product having a distinct flavor.

IS ACIDITY IN COFFEE A GOOD THING?

Acid produces specific impressions that can be similar to fruits like citrus or berries. Without this crucial aspect, your coffee will come out tasting flat and dull. Sparking a tasty connection with your consumers is vital if you want to be successful with your brand of coffee.

The fact that coffee is acidic is part of what makes it so good, but crafting the perfect cup takes experience in using the beans’ acid content to your advantage.

4 COMMON ACIDS IN COFFEE

During the roasting process, acids can either degrade or increase with high temperatures, which changes the overall flavor of each bean. While several acids can be present in coffee beans, four more common examples include:

• Citric: Found in arabica beans at higher grounds, this acid is also present in some citrus fruits. Lemon, grapefruit, and orange tastes are associated with this type.
• Phosphoric: This acid is sweeter compared to others. It balances out strong sour notes in specific ingredients.
• Malic: Apples and pears also contain this variety, which lends similar flavors to roasted coffee beans.
• Chlorogenic: Chlorogenic acid (CGA) degrades faster while roasting at higher temperatures, which is why lighter roasts work best for bringing out its flavor.

HOW TO REDUCE THE ACIDITY IN COFFEE

Achieving the best possible taste requires a balanced acidity, which sometimes means bringing the overall level down. There are a few tried and tested ways to reduce the acidity in your coffee, such as:

• Cold brews: When you use cold water, the acid becomes neutralized in the brewing process.
• Low-acid beans: Use beans that were given a specific treatment in the growing process to naturally develop fewer acids.
• Additives: Adding other liquids like milk and cream stabilizes the acid levels in your coffee.