Have you ever had a coffee brew that tasted burnt? This might make you upset because you failed to enjoy your coffee to your usual taste.
Even though some people enjoy coffee to raise their spirits, the appearance of a burnt taste makes them disappointed. It turns out that there is a reason behind the burnt taste in brewed coffee. The cause of the burnt taste can be caused by several things.
Burnt tasting coffee can be due to over roasting. However, it could also be due to an error in the brewing process. Let’s find out why your cup of coffee tastes burnt.
Causes of burnt coffee when brewed
The Wrong Roasting Process
The roasting process is the most important part of creating a delicious cup of coffee. So, the roasting method must be correct and precise. Coffee that is too strong with dark beans will result in a burnt brew.
To avoid this possibility, ensure that the roasting of the coffee beans remains consistent. This means that the roasting is not too burnt but not too raw. This roasting process has been explained in the previous article.
Of course, not everyone roasts their own coffee beans. Most coffee enthusiasts buy products that are sold in the market. Therefore, you must be good at finding products that do have a good reputation among coffee lovers through ratings and testimonials.
Pay attention to Coffee Brewing
Maybe you’re convinced that the beans or coffee powder you’ve purchased are of premium quality. Then, why does the brewed coffee still taste burnt?
There are other factors that contribute to your coffee tasting burnt. Another possibility is that the water temperature for brewing is too hot.
Too hot a water temperature can lead to a harsh to bitter taste in your coffee cup. While some people may find it normal, others may find it very annoying.
In detail, this burnt flavor is different from over-burnt beans. This common mistake occurs because the water used is too hot and boiling.
According to coffee experts, the ideal temperature for brewing coffee ranges from 90-96°C (195-205°F). This is misunderstood by ordinary coffee drinkers who mostly use 100°C or boiling water. Water temperature can affect the brewing result even if it is only 7 degrees different.
It is important to use a temperature thermometer to determine the right heat. For novice coffee brewers who do not have a thermometer, you can wait for the water temperature to drop for 30 seconds before pouring on the coffee powder.
Not many people know, brewing coffee using boiling water causes over-extraction. Boiling hot water will actually produce coffee with a strong and harsh flavor. Unfortunately, not everyone likes this harsh flavor.
As in the discussion of Cold brew coffee which has many enthusiasts
because of its milder flavor. Brewing coffee at a high temperature results in a brew that is too bitter. Now, this bitter taste is sometimes confused with a burnt taste.
Brewing Method
If you are using an espresso machine, you may not be able to control the water temperature. This may be difficult to control as the system automatically circulates the water. Except for the more expensive machines, there are different settings.
In addition, another cause could be from tools that may be worn out and need to be replaced. So, make sure to always check your machine.
Another solution is to try manual brewing. Manual brewing allows you to control everything from the water temperature to the pouring process. That way you can create brews with better coffee quality.
Actually, the manual brewing method will also produce different flavors. Soaking the coffee in the French press for too long results in a burnt flavor in the brew. Transfer the coffee into another container once the extraction has been completed.
Don’t be afraid to try new steeping methods, so you can find the flavor that works best for you. Using tools such as a thermometer and stopwatch can help maintain the consistency of the extraction. This way, the brew is not over-extracted.
Tips to Avoid Burning Coffee Brews
Making sure to buy fresh coffee
Earlier, it was mentioned to buy fresh coffee. That doesn’t mean you have to roast and process your own coffee. You can look for recommendations for places that are trusted to sell fresh coffee.
Fresh, high-quality coffee beans and proper brewing will create maximum brewing results. If possible, find a place that sells freshly roasted coffee.
Always pay attention to the roasting date of the coffee and avoid coffee grounds or beans that have been on the shelf for a long time. Storing coffee stock should also be considered.
Put the coffee in an airtight container to avoid loss of aroma. Coffee stored in a sealed container will retain its freshness. One more thing, store the container in a place away from light and heat sources.
Choosing Coffee Powder According to Method
Choosing the wrong grind of coffee grounds will have a crucial impact on the taste of the drink. Each brewing method requires a different size of coffee grind.
For optimal extraction results, do not choose the wrong type of coffee powder. A simple example, the French press method is more suitable if using coarse grind. On the other hand, espresso machines are more suitable for using coarse grind coffee.
After confirming the right grind, then get ready to enjoy a brew that suits you. The taste of the coffee is enhanced with these tips, minimizing the chance of burning, of course.
Coffee Equipment Maintenance
Even though you have a sophisticated and complete coffee machine, don’t forget to do maintenance. Keeping coffee equipment clean, will extend the life of the equipment and maintain the authentic taste of the coffee beans.
It turns out that there are many factors that cause coffee to taste burnt. Now, you no longer need to be confused about why the brew is less than optimal. Be sure to follow the tips above to try to enjoy a drink that suits your taste.