Why your coffee tastes sour or bitter – and how to avoid it
Every coffee drinker knows it: The coffee suddenly tastes unpleasantly sour or bitter. This can be due to various factors, but they can be easily influenced. With the right tips on bean selection, preparation, storage, and grind size, you can avoid these problems and enjoy a perfectly balanced cup of coffee.
Cause 1: Incorrect origin of the beans
The origin and quality of the coffee beans play a central role in the flavor. Beans from regions like Ethiopia often tend to have fruity and acidic aromas, while beans from Brazil or Indonesia have a more robust and chocolatey note. If your coffee seems too acidic, it could be because you chose beans with a natural fruit profile. If you want a fuller and rounder taste, it's best to opt for beans from regions with a milder profile. Also pay attention to the roast – lighter roasts emphasize acidity, while darker roasts can be more bitter.
Cause 2: Incorrect Preparation
The way you prepare your coffee can also lead to an unbalanced taste. If your coffee tastes too sour, the extraction time may have been too short. This means that the water was not in contact with the coffee grounds long enough to extract the desired flavors. On the other hand, an extraction that is too long often results in bitter coffee, as unwanted bitter compounds are released. To avoid this, you should pay attention to the correct brewing time when preparing. For filter coffee, a brewing time of about 3 to 4 minutes is recommended, while espresso should be extracted within 25 to 30 seconds.
Cause 3: Improper Storage
The storage of coffee beans is crucial for maintaining freshness and flavor. If the beans are stored incorrectly, they can quickly lose their aromas and taste either bitter or bland. Coffee beans should always be kept in an airtight, light-protected container, ideally in a cool and dry place. Avoid storing the beans in the refrigerator, as they can absorb moisture there, which negatively affects the flavor. Additionally, coffee should never be kept for too long – freshly roasted beans taste best within the first four weeks.
Cause 4: Incorrect grind size
The grind of the coffee also affects the taste. A grind that is too fine can cause over-extraction, leading to bitter coffee. On the other hand, if the grind is too coarse, the coffee will be under-extracted and often tastes sour or watery. The right grind depends on the brewing method. For espresso, the coffee should be finely ground, while a medium grind is recommended for filter coffee. Make sure to adjust the grind to your brewing method to extract the best flavors from your beans.
Conclusion: This is how you avoid sour or bitter coffee
To avoid sour or bitter coffee, pay attention to the right origin and quality of your beans, a clean preparation with the appropriate brewing time and temperature, as well as proper storage and the right grind size. With these tips, you'll get the best out of your coffee and enjoy a perfectly balanced cup!
