Coffee is a wonderful beverage known for its rich and diverse flavor. However, coffee enthusiasts sometimes wonder why coffee is sour ? A sour aftertaste doesn't have to be a defect in the drink, provided it's an expected characteristic. Unfortunately, in many cases, the opposite turns out to be true, and the answer to the question of why espresso is sour is a much-sought-after resource. In today's article, we'll reveal the secrets of how to remedy sour coffee and identify the possible causes .

Learn the important distinction – sourness and acidity

Those seeking an answer to the question of why coffee is sour typically consider this aspect to be evidence of a low-quality product and a significant detriment to its flavor. The negative perceptions associated with a sour taste in coffee are related to the concept known as sourness . This word is used to pejoratively describe a tart beverage that is far from a refined delicacy.

Coffee acidity, on the other hand, is a parameter that most often pertains to high-quality products. It builds depth of flavor and is intentionally obtained by selecting beans from appropriate farms and then processing them properly. Coffees characterized by acidity gain recognition among coffee lovers thanks to their intriguing flavor balance and noticeable fruity notes.

If you look at your cup with a grimace and wonder why the coffee is sour, you're most likely criticizing its sourness . However, if your high-quality coffee is characterized by a full range of flavor notes, including a slightly sour aftertaste, you're most likely referring to its acidity.

What factors influence the acidity of coffee?

Curious about why coffee is sour and how to improve its flavor ? Then you need to understand the likely causes. Coffee sourness can be caused by many different factors. The most common include:

• low quality of raw material,
• the type of coffee you use,
• improper storage,
• incorrect preparation of the drink.

In the following text, we have presented each of the above causes of a sour taste in coffee in more detail.

Don't like sour taste? Avoid low-quality coffee.

The primary factor determining a sour coffee flavor is poor quality beans . Unsatisfactory quality can result from unripeness or rotting of the berries, numerous defects, or oxidizing fats on the coffee's surface. The presence of chlorogenic acid significantly contributes to the unpleasant aftertaste. To conceal these deficiencies, this type of coffee is roasted very dark , which results in the loss of many flavor and aroma notes and the exposure of undesirable bitterness and acidity. To avoid disappointment with your coffee, purchase it from a reliable, reputable source, such as LaCava coffee roaster .

How are the origin and type of beans related to the taste of coffee?

The properties of coffee beans depend largely on their type and where they were grown . The same is true for coffee acidity, as can be clearly seen in a comparison of Arabica and Robusta. Arabica, due to its relatively low temperatures, has a higher acidity and hardness . Robusta, on the other hand, is characterized by a much less acidic flavor, with a distinctly bitter flavor. It's no coincidence, then, that many people who dislike acidity choose to blend both coffees to balance the flavors .

And what key should you use when selecting coffee by origin regarding acidity? If you're a fan of classic flavors without a pronounced acidity, head for South America , specifically Argentina and Brazil. When you're craving new experiences, start looking for coffees from Africa – beans from Kenya or Ethiopia can captivate you with their exquisite flavors, with noticeable acidity and fruity, spicy, and even chocolatey notes.

Beware of improperly stored coffee

The answer to the question of why coffee is sour may also be that it was stored improperly. Storage in inappropriate conditions can lead to rancidity and fermentation of the beans . Sometimes, old beans stored in poor conditions end up in roasteries, then packaged and shipped to stores. In such a situation, the coffee can taste sour and off-putting, even before its expiration date.

The impact of preparation errors on the taste of coffee

An overly sour drink is often the result of improper preparation. It usually stems from under-brewing the coffee – acidity releases more quickly in the brew than bitterness or sweetness. Another common mistake is brewing coffee at too low a temperature, which also prevents the full flavor from developing.

How to skillfully prepare coffee to make it less acidic?

The stage of coffee preparation that most significantly influences its acidity is extraction. This involves leaching flavor compounds from the ground coffee into water . Because not all flavors emerge from the raw material at the same time, it's crucial to know how to stop the process when you've achieved your desired taste. How do you know which flavors are released when? Acidity and fruity notes emerge from the coffee at the very beginning. Then, sweetness and bitterness emerge in succession. You can control the extraction process – read the tips below and enjoy coffee that perfectly suits your taste.

Monitor process temperature

The extraction rate is greatly influenced by the temperature at which it occurs. The hotter the water, the faster the extraction. Temperature also affects the acidity of the coffee: high temperatures result in higher acidity, while low temperatures produce milder coffees .

The question of proper grinding

The grind also determines the extraction rate. A finer grind extracts coffee faster and provides a greater ratio of bitterness to other flavors , while a coarser grind favors acidity.

Keep an eye on the brewing time

The third key factor in controlling the extraction process is, of course, time. Too short an extraction results in a coffee with a dominance of acidic flavors , while a beverage resulting from too long an extraction will be distinctly bitter.

Properly prepared coffee is characterized by an excellent, well-balanced flavor. However, every coffee lover has their own preferences, so they shouldn't be afraid to experiment with different grind levels, times, and temperatures to achieve their desired balance. It's impossible to create a completely universal beverage; the accent will always be slightly different. For those who appreciate a distinctive acidity, we recommend a short extraction of coarsely ground coffee at a high temperature .

It's also worth experimenting with different coffee brewing methods , which will allow you to view coffee specialties from different perspectives. Not every coffee drink has to be brewed in an espresso machine, and there are many alternative methods for making good coffee at home .

Summary

You now know the most important factors responsible for coffee's sourness. Cup after cup of high-quality coffee will surely allow you to identify the differences between sourness and acidity with your own senses. If you want to experience new flavors, explore the LaCava coffee roastery's offerings. You'll find exquisite coffee beans , including specialty coffees sourced from verified farms in countries such as Brazil, Kenya, and Ethiopia . You can also order a variety of modern coffee machines here, allowing you to prepare many exquisite coffee specialties. We invite you to explore the LaCava roastery's offerings.