We have written tons of articles on the health benefits of Coffee for both males and females. Also, we have researched on side effects of drinking too much caffeine in an effort to caution coffee lovers from certain health conditions. In this article, we will be exploring coffee acidity and why you should care. It is critical to understand that coffee acidity is fine for most users but there are few who would develop gastric ulcers, acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome. Further, extreme use of coffee with acidity over time can result in tooth enamel erosion if there is improper oral care. For this reason, we find it essential to minimize coffee acidity without sacrificing flavor by offering proven tips for having an amazing cup of coffee.

Types of Coffee Acidity

It is easy to measure the acidity of coffee using the pH scale. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 and helps to establish acid and basic liquids. In this regard, 0-7 represent acidic properties while 7-14 signifies basic properties. Most coffee types have a pH ranging from 4.85 to 5, which is acidic in nature.

Surprisingly, the unique flavor in your coffee drink is a mixture of nine main acids released when you are brewing coffee. The nine main acids include citric, chlorogenic, quinic, lactic, malic, palmitic, linoleic, phosphoric acid, and acetic acid. Each of these acids has its function in coffee. For example, quinic acid is responsible for giving coffee its signature smell while chlorogenic acid is a natural antioxidant.

What Causes Different Taste and Variations in the Acidity of Coffee?

It is true to say that coffee brewing and preparation can result in different acidity levels. The variations are impacted by:

Brewing Temperature

The art of brewing requires knowing the right temperature for every type of coffee brew. It is essential to note that lowering temperature while brewing increases acidity while increasing the brew temperature will lessen acidity in coffee. Thus, there is low acidity if you brew coffee at a lower temperature such as 25°C compared to 70°C meaning that coffee tastes differently at diverse temperatures.

Degree of your Coffee Grind

If you are fortunate to own a coffee maker with a grinder, then you need to know how different coffee grinds can impact the acidic properties of coffee. It means that finely ground coffee has more particles compared to the same quantity of coarsely ground coffee. It means that fine ground will offer you a highly acidic cup of Joe.

Grade of Roasting

The temperature and duration of roasting coffee beans have an impact on the acidity of coffee. The process of roasting results in the release of chlorogenic acid. An increase in the duration and temperature of brewing decreases acidity while acidity is high when the beans have been roasted for a short time. Therefore, lighter roasts are more acidic compared to darker roasts.

Water Quality

The quality of water for making your coffee plays a vital role in reducing the acidity of coffee. It is not appropriate to use hard water as it is high in mineral content resulting in a more acidic coffee brew. Importantly, using soft water that has low mineral content can generate a smoother and less acidic cup of joe.

However, it is essential to eradicate acidity by using purified or filtered water when making your coffee. The process assists in eradicating minerals or impurities that can contribute to reduced acidity levels. Furthermore, testing the pH of the water can offer information about its acidity level and permit you to adjust consequently for a balanced cup of coffee.

Method of Brewing

The are different techniques of brewing coffee that give you different types of coffee such as iced coffee or hot coffee. For example, hot coffee is more acidic compared to cold brew coffee as the former releases more acids than the latter.

Health Effects of Coffee Acidity

It is essential to note that coffee is not regarded as the cause of gastrointestinal ailments but causes mild laxative impacts. Coffee can aggravate or worsen some medical conditions such as acid reflux (GERD), gastric ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended that you avoid or minimize coffee intake if you are experiencing such problems. However, caffeine addicts like me who struggle to reduce coffee consumption can switch to less acidic types of coffee. Here are essential tips on reducing the acidity in your cup of coffee.

Ways of Making Low-acid Coffee

Increase your brewing time

The first compounds to be released while brewing coffee are the acids. A shorter brew time can result in under-extraction which is likely to be an indication of a high concentration of acidity.

Improve your roasting by making darker roasts

Darker roasts release less acid compared to lighter roasts. Also, lighter roasts are less soluble compared to dark roasts.

Offer Cold Brew Coffee a Shot

People with stomach problems can opt for cold brew coffees as they have long brewing times at extremely low temperatures. The process slows down the extraction rate resulting in less acidic coffee.

Ensure that you descale your coffee maker often

Descaling your Keurig or Cuisinart coffee maker is 

Add Eggshells to your Coffee Grind

I have practiced adding eggshells to my coffee grind and I can confirm its nutritional benefits. First, they are a great source of calcium. Secondly, they have alkaline properties that neutralize the acid released during the brewing process. However, you need to be careful not to consume the eggshells by grinding them together with coffee grounds.

Don’t store hot coffee for long periods.

It is essential to note that storing coffee at high temperatures over time will surge the release of acid resulting in an exceedingly acidic cup of coffee.

Use Coffee Filter

If you are using a paper filter or mesh bag for making pour-over coffee, then you have a chance of blocking the fats that make coffee acidic by producing acids, unlike metal filters. Thus, this technique can help to lower the acidity of the coffee and lessen the risk of heart ailment.

Add Milk to your Coffee

It is essential to understand that adding milk to your coffee helps to eradicate acidity. There are plant-based milks such as soy milk and almond which are alkaline in nature. Thus, this step can offer you a much less acidic coffee due to a balanced pH.

Add Acid Reducers to a Cup of Coffee

Another viable way of reducing acidity is adding commercially accessible acid reducers such as baking soda in your coffee brew to counteract some of the acidity in your cup of coffee.

Don’t overheat your coffee beans

Essentially, more acids are released within a short period when you brew coffee at a very high temperature. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid over-brewing to reduce the acidity of the coffee.

Select Coarser Coffee Grinds

Coarser coffer grinds have large coffee particles that slow down the extraction rate due to the lessened surface in comparison with finer grinds. It is advisable to use coarser grinds in a French Press in order to brew your low-acid cup of joe.

Conclusion

It is always important to have a cup of coffee that has less acidity to enjoy a smoother and refreshing taste. Always recall that various factors affect the taste of coffee such as roasting level, type of coffee beans, brewing technique, coffee maker, and water quality. The paper has advised various ways of reducing acidity such as using dark roasts that have a long roasting time. Further, using diverse techniques of making coffee such as cold brewing methods to extract flavors while reducing acidity is a sure way of reducing any unwanted acidic compounds. By implementing our top tips, you are on your way to enjoying a less acidic cup of joe that is well-balanced.

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