If you love coffee, then you know how important it is to make it the right way.
The perfect cup of coffee relies on the ratio of coffee grounds and water, the temperature at which you brew it, and the amount of time you allow it to steep (or brew).
While all of these factors are important, one of the most underrated components in brewing a good cup of coffee is the pH balance of your water. Understanding what makes the water acidic or alkaline will help you understand why your favorite coffee shop can make such an amazing cup while you are stuck with sub-par results at home.
What Is the Ph of Black Coffee?
The ph of coffee is different depending on the type of coffee. Black coffee, for instance, has a ph of 5-6 while espresso has a ph of 3-5.
The acidity levels in black coffee are higher than the acidity levels in espresso because the water used to make black coffee has had time to extract more acids and oils from the beans.
The acidity level of coffee is often dependent on your brewing method.
Brewing methods that use more water and extract more beans typically have a higher ph, while brewing methods that use less water or extract fewer oils and acids have lower ph levels.
For example, the French press can produce coffee with a ph as low as 2.5, while espresso shots have a ph that’s even lower than black coffee. Espresso is so acidic because it uses such little water to brew a very concentrated liquid.
What Is the Ph in Decaf Coffee?
Coffee is acidic and can have a pH of anywhere from 4 to 5.5. The acidity in coffee helps to bring out the flavors and make the drink more enjoyable.
Decaf coffee typically has a higher pH of around 6 or 7, which is closer to neutral than its caffeinated counterpart.
Most coffee is naturally acidic and has a pH between 4 and 5.5, with most beans falling closer to 5.
The acid helps bring out flavors in coffee and helps you enjoy your drink more. Decaf coffee is less acidic than regular coffee but it’s still pretty acidic at around 6 or 7 on the scale.
ALSO SEE: How Much Caffeine Is in Coffee?
What Is the Ph of Coffee Grounds?
The Ph of coffee grounds is between 4.5 and 5.5. The lower the number, the more acidic the coffee is; the higher the number, the less acidic it is.
The human stomach has a ph between 1 and 3, so drinking coffee grounds may not be good for you if you have acid reflux or ulcers.
What Is the Ph of Coffee with Milk?
The pH of coffee is dependent on the roast and the bean. The acidity of coffee ranges from 0-8 with 8 being the most acidic.
Coffee with milk has a pH between 6-6.5 because milk is alkaline which neutralizes the acid in the coffee beans.
What Is the Ph of Coffee with Cream?
Coffee with cream or milk is slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5-6.0. The higher fat content in the cream or milk buffers the acidity of the coffee so it’s not as acidic, which can help if you have problems with acid reflux or ulcers.
What Is the Ph in Coffee and Tea?
Coffee and tea are acidic. Coffee ranges from a pH of 4.5 to 5, and tea can range from 6 to 7.
The acidity in coffee is due to the presence of organic acids like citric acid and malic acid.
Tea has a slightly more bitter taste because it contains tannin, which is an organic substance that does not dissolve well in water but may release some tartaric acid when heated.
What is The PH of Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is brewed at lower temperatures and for a longer period, typically 12-24 hours, which creates a coffee concentrate.
The resulting coffee has a less acidic taste and is more mellow than hot brew coffee.
A downside to cold brewing coffee is that it can take up to 24 hours, whereas hot brewing only takes about five minutes.
However, the upside to this method is that cold brew can be made in larger batches because it takes so long to finish and you don’t have to worry about over or underbrewing your batch like you would with a pot of hot coffee.
The PH of cold brew coffee usually ranges from 4-6 as opposed to 3-5 for regular drip or espresso coffees.
Stomach Problems due to High PH
Stomach problems can be due to a high PH balance in your stomach. The stomach’s PH is usually at 4 to 5. When food or drink enters your stomach, it breaks down and releases acids.
If there are too many foods or drinks with a high PH, the acid may rise above 5. This can cause heartburn and other issues.
How To Reduce Acid in Coffee
Coffee naturally has a low pH, which is often described as sour. Coffee acidity can be reduced by adding alkaline substances such as baking soda or lemon juice to your coffee. You can also reduce acidity by using distilled water instead of tap water.
The pH scale runs from 0 to 14. If a substance has a pH below 7, it is considered acidic and if it has a pH above 7, it is considered alkaline. The standard solutions used in chemistry labs have a neutral pH value equal to 7.
Because coffee falls below that level, it is classified as acidic. As mentioned previously, acidity in coffee can be reduced through several methods.
Reducing acidity in coffee is a matter of taste. If you prefer a lighter and less sour flavor, you can try adding 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for every two cups to reduce acidity in coffee. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier and sourer flavor, then use one teaspoon of baking soda for every two cups.
For those who want a more subtle approach to reducing acidity in coffee, you can add just enough lemon juice to counteract any aftertaste left behind from the previous steps (e.g., vinegar).
It is important to note that different types of coffees have varying levels of acidity- so experiment with different approaches until you find one that suits your tastes best.