Science explains why your coffee might taste better with salt

Science explains why your coffee might taste better with salt


Have you ever tried putting salt in your coffee? The idea may seem absurd, but it has become increasingly common.

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Have you ever tried putting salt in your coffee? It may seem like an unusual and even bizarre combination, but this practice has ancient roots and has been adopted in different cultures around the world.

Chefs and culinary experts like Alton Brown have also brought this trend to the fore, exploring the benefits and unique flavors this blend can provide.

Even if it sounds crazy, a research published in the journal Naturewritten by P. Breslin and G. Beauchamp, in 1997, already underlined that salt could enhance the flavor and suppress the bitterness of foods and drinks, surpassing even sugar in this function.

Trick for using salt in coffee

The Alton Brown salt coffee trick has gained prominence for its ability to neutralize the bitterness of the coffee, which is especially helpful when using heavily roasted beans, resulting in a stronger, more bitter flavor.

On social media, the chef says he uses a quarter teaspoon of kosher salt (salt with no added iodine) for every six tablespoons of coffee grounds.

The science behind this practice has been confirmed by research, such as that of P. Breslin and G. Beauchamp, which demonstrate that salt is able to suppress the sensation of bitterness by acting on the taste receptors linked to that taste.

The five basic tastes – sour, sweet, salty, bitter and umami – are influenced by salt, which can increase the sensitivity of some receptors and decrease others in our taste buds. Therefore, by adding a pinch of salt to coffee, the bitterness is mitigated, making the drink more palatable, similar to the effect salt has on sweet desserts.

Does this practice harm your health?

It is important to note that adding salt to coffee does not pose any significant health disadvantages, as long as it is done in moderation. However, people who are sensitive to sodium or have high blood pressure should avoid this practice, as it will increase their overall sodium intake, which can lead to health problems, especially those related to the heart.

It’s important to remember that high-quality coffee tends to be less bitter, and therefore adding salt may not be necessary to fully enjoy the flavor of the drink. Each person can experiment and adjust the amount of salt according to their preferences.

All in all, savory coffee can be an intriguing and tasty alternative for those looking to explore new aspects of their daily drink. Provided it is used in moderation and with individual health needs in mind, savory coffee can surprise and delight the palates of many coffee connoisseurs around the world.

Try this unique blend and see how salt can transform your coffee experience.

Source: Terra

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