The FDA recently announced that is revising its rules of using the term "healthy" to include coffee, so long as the coffee contains less than 5 calories per serving. In my previous blog The Five Health Benefits of Coffee, I pointed out that coffee has several health benefits. Ultimately, what this means is that black coffee is now "officially" considered a healthy drink!
Personally, I drink black coffee each and every morning, making it with my handy Chemex Brewer. I will admit though, when I first started drinking coffee back in my college years, I put all kinds of milk and sugar in it. It wasn't until I started working at a coffee shop, whose owner roasted their own coffee using high quality beans, that I started to drink my coffee black.
Drinking coffee "black" involves trying to drink coffee without any additives like sugar, cream, or milk. This can help you appreciate the pure flavors of coffee and may also serve as a test of your palate and tolerance for bitterness. Switching to black coffee may not be so easy for a lot of people, so here are some of my tips for switching to black coffee.
Five Tips for Success
1. Start with a Good Quality Coffee: Select a high-quality coffee bean that you enjoy, such as Cloudland Coffee! The better the coffee, the more enjoyable the experience will be. The flavor profile can vary significantly between different beans, so consider trying a few varieties to find one you like best. Look for beans that are freshly roasted and suited to your taste
2. Find Your Favorite Brew Method: You can use various brewing methods such as a French press, pour-over, or a simple auto-drip coffee maker. Each method will yield different flavor nuances. My personal favorite is the Chemex pourover method. This method fully immerses the coffee, but also filters it out to produce a cleaner taste. Taking classes on how to brew coffee using various brewing techniques is a great way to discover the different tastes possible. Check out Cloudland Coffee's classes page often, as we offer various coffee brewing method classes throughout the year, including with the Chemex Coffee Brewer.
3. Experiment with Different Beans: Try different origins and roast levels to find what you enjoy most. Some beans have chocolatey or nutty tones that can make black coffee more palatable.
4. Take Your Time to Taste: Pour yourself a cup of black coffee and take a moment to smell the aroma before tasting. Sip slowly to appreciate the flavors. Note any bitterness, acidity, or sweetness that you can detect. Try to drink the entire cup without adding anything. If you find it difficult, consider taking notes on what you like or dislike about the taste.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drinking black coffee can be dehydrating, so make sure to drink water throughout the day.
By switcing to black coffee, you may discover a new appreciation for coffee and its diverse flavors! Enjoy the journey!