FoodDitch the sugar: Salt trick makes black coffee smoother

Ditch the sugar: Salt trick makes black coffee smoother

Black coffee can be less bitter thanks to a simple trick. Discover how to improve its taste without adding sugar.

Black coffee
Black coffee
Images source: © Adobe Stock | Arkadij Schell

Black coffee is a drink that many of us can't imagine going a day without. Although it provides the necessary dose of caffeine, its bitter taste often discourages consumption without additives. However, there's a simple way to enhance its flavor without using sugar or milk.

Salt as the secret to taste

Dr. Karan Rajan, a health expert, shared on TikTok an unusual way to reduce the bitterness of black coffee: just add a pinch of salt to it. As Dr. Rajan explains:

The salt blocks the bitterness receptors on your tongue, making the coffee taste way smoother and requiring less sugar.

Health benefits of black coffee

Consumed in moderation, black coffee can offer many health benefits. According to Healthline, regular consumption of black coffee can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and protect against some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additionally, black coffee can affect fat storage and support gut health, which is beneficial for weight management.

Experts confirm

Specialists from Espresso Works also confirm that adding salt to coffee can enhance its nutty notes and increase the sweetness of the drink, making it less bitter and milder. Moreover, salt can also improve the aroma of black coffee.

Drinking black coffee can also support heart health. Studies suggest that consuming three to five cups of coffee daily may be associated with a 15 percent reduction in the risk of heart disease.

How to prepare coffee with salt?

To prepare coffee with salt, simply add a quarter teaspoon of salt per 0.35 ounces of ground coffee before brewing. This way, the brew will lose its bitterness and gain a sweet taste. It's a simple way to enjoy coffee without the addition of sugar or calorie-dense syrups.

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