Why do We add Salt to the Cup of Coffee?
Coffee has had salt added for centuries. At first, it was not thought that including salt in coffee made it taste better, however it was because of the necessity. In the regions of Northern Scandinavia, Siberia, Turkey, and Hungary there’s plenty of brackish water. This is the water that rivers meet with salt water, creating a slightly salty solution.
The people who used this water were able for brewing their coffee, removing the grounds of coffee using an amalgamation with salty waters. When they had clean water, they discovered that the coffee tasted more bitter and tasted less delicious.
They continued to use the brackish water and continued the custom that coffee is flavored with salt, creating the most pronounced and smooth-tasting coffee.
Why You Should Add Salt to Coffee
Although good coffee can be delicious on its own, salt can increase the quality of everything we desire from the coffee. I learned this technique from one of my close friends, Chris, and it’s a tradition that’s been around for a long time. Most people believe this method can reduce the natural bitterness of coffee.
However, ifprepares your coffee with pink salt in the wrong way, you’ll get bitter coffee, regardless of the method you use. According to one expert, it could…
- reduces the bitterness of coffee. It can also soften the staletaste of water stored in tanks.
- Alton Brown, Coffee Expert
Salt Cuts Bitterness
The reason behind salt no longer remains a mystery. There have been a variety of studies carried out by scientists to investigate the effects of salt on coffee.
There is a chemical process that is responsible for this. This chemical reaction causes Na+ ion helps to reduce bitterness by interfering with the tongue’s taste receptors. In the end, the receptors for bitterness on your tongue don’t detect as much bitterness. However, you need to reduce the amount of salt you could detect.
The calcium in salt could also play a role in the bitterness-blocking effect. This is the reason dairy is so great with coffee.
Salt Enhances the Coffee Flavor
Salt brings out the flavors that you did not know existed within coffee beans. Salt makes the delicate sweetness of fruit imparted by the coffee’s fruit more prominent.
It’s like how you add lemonade with salt to make the drink taste more delicious.
If you add salt to your coffee, you might discover a flavor that is unique to each coffee. It is recommended to try it with different kinds of coffee beans. Record what you like about it.
The Science Behind Adding Salt in Coffee Grounds
Contrary to what many believe, coffee isn’t bitter because of caffeine. The addition of caffeine doesn’t make coffee any more or less bitter. A coffee lightly roasted which is not as bitter as dark roasted coffee could contain the same amount or even more caffeine.
Around 15 percent of the bitterness in the coffee is due to caffeine. The remaining bitterness is due to chlorogenic acid lactones as well as phenylindoles.
They are antioxidants that are present in coffee beans that have been roasted. They are created when fresh coffee beans get roasted. The darker the roast, the more of these compounds will be present. In turn, less bitter coffee will become.
If salt is added to the grounds of coffee, these substances can’t be easily tasted with your tongue. Instead, your taste buds are blocked by Na+ ions that are formed by the coffee with salt benefits interacting together with water.
How many salts To Add to Coffee
There is no recipe for making the perfect cup of coffee that you prefer it. We suggest beginning with one-quarter teaspoon of kosher salt to each 6-tbsp of grounds.
It is recommended to start with this ratio, and then modify it according to how you feel about it. If you think it’s too salty, add less. If you feel it’s still bitter, Add more.
It could also differ based on the type of Himalayan salt you choose to use. Certain salts are saltier than other salts.
It is possible to add salt when you are brewing the grounds or include the coffee grounds in the coffee that has already been brewed. Be sure to make sure to not overdo it!
Himalayan Salt on Coffee Health Benefits
If you add Himalayan salt to your coffee, you can also include trace minerals coffee that will be beneficial for your overall health.
A Natural Electrolyte
When you add some salt to your coffee, you make it an electrolyte-rich beverage. Electrolytes are crucial to the daily routine. Electrolytes make it easier for fluids to absorb into your system. This assists to maintain the balance of fluids within your body.
- It starts the process of Osmosis in the body, providing vital minerals, and ensuring your salt levels.
- According to Bangalore-based nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood
Clears Your Skin
Minerals in some salts particularly Himalayan salt can combat skin problems.
For example, the zinc present in salt can help repair tissues and also prevent acne.
The chromium and Iodine found in salts can help against infections.
Sulfur helps keep your skin hydrated and clean. It also maintains the smoothness of your skin.
Helps With Digestion
The salt that is present in your coffee can boost your digestion. Drinking coffee with salt, assists in activating your salivary glands. Additionally, it stimulates your body to aid in the metabolism of proteins, which are responsible for breaking down calories.
Aids in Acid Reflux
If coffee causes acid reflux, it is recommended to first consume less acidic coffee.
This can be achieved by selecting a coffee with a lower acid level. This usually means a darker roast. Coffees with a lighter to medium roast contain more acid in their beans. When you darkly roast your coffee, most of the acid is removed during this roasting procedure.
