Add eggshells to your coffee for a smoother brew

Coffee evokes strong feelings: you either like it or you don't. The taste of coffee depends on many factors, such as the degree of bean roasting, the preparation method, or even the water used to brew it. Some coffees may seem too bitter or acidic. In such cases, you can add eggshells to neutralize these unpleasant flavors.

Many people know about the benefits of using water from boiled eggs to water plants, but not everyone is aware that eggshells also have uses in the kitchen. Some add them to smoothies, others toss them into oatmeal, but when ground, they can also be used in coffee. This is a natural remedy for when you buy an unpleasant coffee that turns sour after brewing.

The acidic taste of coffee results from the presence of tannic acids that occur at high temperatures or with hard water. Eggshells, rich in calcium carbonate with an alkaline reaction, neutralize the acidic reaction of coffee, making it milder. To use this method, the shells must be thoroughly cleaned and thermally processed.

Baking soda can also neutralize coffee's sour taste, but in this case, you should be careful with the amount to avoid making things worse. Ground eggshells are a safer solution.

When brewing coffee, add ground shells to the coffee filter, whether in a coffee maker or espresso machine. When brewing coffee directly in a pot, you should place crushed shells in a tea infuser and submerge them in the brew for a few minutes.

This method helps eliminate a bitter aftertaste, but not everyone always has eggshells on hand. In that case, it's best to remember not to pour boiling water over the coffee, as the optimal water temperature is about 195°F. You might also consider changing the brewing method or using water filters for perfect taste.