If you’ve noticed that coffee can taste vastly different even at the same café, it might be due to secret ingredients used by skilled baristas. One of these unexpected tricks is the addition of eggshells to coffee, which can transform its flavor.
Why Eggshells?
Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium, which can neutralize the natural acidity in coffee. By reducing this acidity, the coffee gains a smoother, milder taste without any bitterness, allowing more subtle flavors to shine through.
How to Use Eggshells in Coffee
- Clean the Eggshells: Use thoroughly washed, dried eggshells to avoid any unwanted taste or residue. If you’ve boiled the eggshells, ensure they’re completely dry before use.
- Crush the Eggshells: Grind or crush the shells into small pieces.
- Add to Coffee Grounds: When preparing coffee in a Turkish coffee pot (or even a French press), add a small pinch of crushed eggshells to the coffee grounds.
- Brew as Usual: Brew your coffee as you normally would. The eggshells will settle with the grounds at the bottom of the pot, so they won’t affect the appearance or texture of the coffee.
Benefits of the Eggshell Coffee Hack
- Smoother Taste: The calcium in eggshells reduces the acidity, making the coffee gentler on the stomach and more enjoyable to drink.
- Unique Flavor: The result is a well-rounded, aromatic coffee with a deeper, richer taste.
- Prevents Coffee from Boiling Over: Adding eggshells helps prevent the coffee from foaming up and spilling over—a bonus, especially with stovetop coffee methods.
This simple trick can add a refined twist to your coffee experience, enhancing both the flavor and aroma. Give it a try and enjoy a smoother, richer coffee!