Taking a sip of your morning coffee only to discover that it tastes like salt is one of the few things that can be more depressing. Although it can sound strange, there are a few possible causes for your coffee to taste salty.
Your coffee machine or other equipment may not have been thoroughly cleaned, for example. Mineral buildup in your coffee maker over time might change the flavor of your coffee. This is more likely to occur where the water is hard and the mineral content is higher. To avoid this, consider routinely descaling your coffee maker using a vinegar and water solution.
Your coffee beans’ exposure to salt or seawater is yet another potential factor. If you reside near the seaside, there is a possibility that the seawater may be influencing your coffee beans. Additionally, coffee beans may acquire salt from the air if they are kept close to a salt source, like in a kitchen cupboard next to the stove.
It’s possible that your taste buds are simply misinterpreting the flavor of your coffee if neither of these explanations seems to apply. Your sense of taste may be affected by some medical problems (such as allergies and sinus infections), making it seem as though your coffee has a salty flavor. It can be worthwhile to see your doctor if you also have additional symptoms in addition to the salty taste.
If you’re wondering why your coffee is light brown, it might be because of the roast you’re using. Given that they haven’t been roasted for as long as darker roasts, lighter roasts typically have a lighter color. Additionally, if you’re using the pour over method, it’s possible that not all of the coffee grounds are getting the same amount of water, which might result in certain parts being under-extracted and having a lighter color.
The grind of your coffee may be the cause of your pour over coffee taking a long time to brew. The brewing process can be slowed down if the grind is too fine. Furthermore, if you’re using a pour over device with a tiny opening, it can restrict the water flow and slow down the brewing process.
Pour over coffee should typically be given between 30 and 60 seconds to bloom before serving. Coffee grounds can produce gases during the blooming process, which might impact the final product’s flavor. Coffee may have a weaker flavor if you don’t give it enough time to bloom.
Finally, over-extraction and bitterness can result from cold brewing coffee for an extended period of time. Generally, depending on your preferences, it’s advised to let cold brew soak for 12–24 hours. A less appealing flavor might result if you steep it for a longer period of time.