Why is salt added to coffee?
Sodium ions in table salt enhance the aroma of coffee and neutralize the excessive bitterness of low-quality or over-roasted beans. It was for this purpose that sugar and dairy products were originally used in Europe.
Salt also softens hard water, which also has a positive effect on the organoleptic properties of the drink - the sourness becomes less pronounced, the drink is balanced in terms of sharpness and softness.
Coffee with salt also restores the body’s salt balance, which is disrupted by excessive sweating in the hot climate of the Middle Eastern countries. It turns out tasty and healthy at the same time.
It only makes sense to add salt when preparing coffee in a Turk (cezve). The smaller the grind, the better. In all other cases, salt is useless due to the grinding of the coffee beans being too coarse or the nature of the brew. Few people like instant coffee with salt.
Benefits and harms
Espresso, which has added culinary seasoning, has its advantages and disadvantages, in addition to the variety of flavors. This coffee has a positive effect on the human body. When drinking the drink in reasonable quantities, metabolism is normalized.
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The salty drink improves immunity, increases the resistance of the immune system to various viruses and bacteria. This drink helps with colds and coughs; it restores the affected microflora of the throat mucosa.
Coffee with salt has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract - it is recommended to drink it after food poisoning.
A negative result can occur mainly due to excessive consumption of a salty drink. Due to the fact that salt promotes water retention in the body, swelling will appear. Still, all lovers should try espresso with salt; it will bring new unusual tastes to life.
Classic coffee with salt
Traditional oriental cooking recipe and serving tradition.
Ingredients:
- water – 180 ml;
- ground coffee – 2-3 heaped teaspoons;
- salt – 1 pinch (on the tip of a knife);
- sugar – 0.5 teaspoon or to taste.
Recipe
1. Warm the cezve, then add salt, sugar and coffee. Shake several times, then pour in cold water (pre-cool in the refrigerator or with ice).
2. Boil the coffee over low heat until foam appears, then remove from heat and leave for 20-30 seconds.
3. Repeat heating the Turk until foam appears 2-3 more times.
4. Rinse the serving cups with boiling water and discard the water.
5. Pour the finished coffee into cups without straining. Let it brew for 30-40 seconds. If the grounds have not settled, you can precipitate them with 2-3 drops of cold water. Traditionally, oriental coffee with salt is complemented with a glass of cold boiled water.
Four reasons to add a pinch of salt to your coffee and a classic recipe
It turns out that if you put salt rather than sugar in your coffee, the taste will not be as strange as it seems at first glance. We tried it and didn't even spit. In truth, salt doesn't just add a new flavor to your favorite drink.
I wonder what else?
Why is salt added to coffee?
Remove bitterness
Sounds funny, but salt reduces bitterness. To be more precise, this is done by the sodium ions it contains. They are the ones who block the mechanism of transmitting bitter taste in our mouth: the receptors begin to react to salty instead of bitter. Thus, sodium appears to be even more effective at masking bitterness than sugar, which can only mask it a little while salt completely neutralizes it.
We are all, of course, our own gourmets, but in life there are different cases, and it is better to have a life hack in stock on how to make the frankly bad at least acceptable. Adding salt is a good solution when you only have coffee of “so-so quality” on hand. A pinch of salt will camouflage the taste of burnt or not very fresh grain.
Ground coffee Lebo “Prince”, for Turkish, 100 g 79 rub.
Coffee beans LavAzza “Qualita Oro”, 500 g 752 rub.
Ground coffee Lavazza “Crema e Gusto”, 250 g 258 rub.
Lavazza “Qualita Oro” coffee beans, 250 g 351 rub.
Ground coffee Lebo “Extra”, for Turkish, 75 g 61 rub.
Ground coffee Lavazza “Qualita Oro”, in a tin can, 250 g 400 rub.
Bean coffee Bushido “Red Katana”, 1000 g 1921 rub.
Coffee beans Lavazza “Qualita Oro”, 1000 g 1550 rub.
View all coffee
Improve water
Water that is left in the coffee maker for a long time can “stay” and become unpleasant. Often it is initially not of the best quality (too hard, for example), and there is no other one nearby. But we know very well that the taste of coffee directly depends on water. In this case, salt can be a good solution: it will improve the taste of water and its chemical properties, due to which the coffee will rise to a higher level.
Please note that using salted water results in more foaming when brewing coffee.
Enhance flavor and replace sugar
Salt added in small quantities will definitely brighten up the coffee. This is its property - to enhance taste and aroma. Additionally, if you need to limit your sugar intake but find the bitterness of coffee too unpleasant, salt can be a good substitute—it won't make your drink sweet, but it will cut the bitterness and help you stay within your diet.
Experts believe that salt goes best with Robusta, allowing the maximum flavor of this grain to be revealed.
Replace sodium loss
There is a scientific theory that drinking large amounts of coffee leads to sodium leaching. There hasn't been much research on this subject, and it's not 100% certain that it's true, but if you're concerned about this issue, salt may be a good solution. By adding a pinch to your cup of Americano (or espresso), you partially restore the sodium balance in the body.
How to properly prepare coffee with salt?
Let us be glad right away - this is the case when you can experiment as much as you like. The main thing is to learn how to calculate the quantity, but this is purely a matter of taste. But we warn you: it may not work on the first try, be prepared that you will have to practice your skills.
If you brew coffee in a Turk,
It’s more convenient to add salt at the beginning of the process (along with ground grain) and stir by adding water.
If you prefer a coffee machine,
no one will forbid you to add salt to your favorite drink already in the mug when it is ready.
Who came up with the idea of adding salt to coffee?
Records of coffee with salt can be found in historical documents of many nations - obviously, the idea for this recipe appeared in several places at once. This practice is an integral part of coffee making traditions in Hungary, Scandinavia, Turkey and other countries.
One of the possible reasons for the emergence of the tradition is the use of so-called salted water of natural origin. In coastal regions there are places where salty sea water mixes with fresh water from rivers. Such water has a salt content of 0.05 to 3% (for comparison, sea water contains an average of 3-5%). Since ancient times, people have often used it as drinking water, including making coffee with it. This was considered almost the norm and did not surprise anyone. Moreover, over time, people noticed the obvious benefits of this method of preparing coffee.
Another version comes from the Middle East. She explains the appearance of salty coffee by the fact that such a drink helps to better maintain salt balance in hot climates.
By the way, in Ethiopia it is customary to serve two cups of coffee at once: one with a regular drink, the other with salt (by adding a little salty coffee to regular coffee, you can achieve the ideal taste, which is individual for everyone). And in Turkey it is still believed that by adding salt to the coffee of a young man who has come to get married, the young bride can show her affection (tasty and piquant) or her dislike for the groom (too salty).
Are you ready to try this coffee? Or have you already acquired your own secrets for adding salt?
Arabic coffee with salt and pepper
Pepper adds spicy notes and enhances the aroma, the main thing is not to overdo it.
Ingredients:
- ground coffee – 3 teaspoons;
- water – 150 ml;
- salt - on the tip of the knife;
- black pepper – 1 pea.
Recipe
1. Pour coffee into the pot and add water.
2. Heat over low heat until foam appears, then remove from heat and add peppercorns.
3. Heat again until foam forms, add salt. Heat a third time.
4. Pour the drink into cups without filtering the grounds.
Cooking with cinnamon
Salty espresso with spicy notes has a rich aroma, taste and pleasant consistency. To cook it you will need the following components:
- cinnamon;
- ground Arabica;
- a pinch of salt;
- mineral water.
To obtain a product with a lasting aroma, a cinnamon stick should be placed in a Turk along with ground coffee and salt. Reduce the heat once the Turmer has formed a creamy brown foam. Do not bring the drink to a boil, as this will spoil its taste. You need to drink it hot.
Creamy coffee with salt
It is considered more of a women's recipe. Requires heavy natural cream.
Ingredients:
- ground coffee – 2 teaspoons;
- cream – 3 teaspoons;
- water – 150 ml;
- salt – 1 pinch;
- sugar (preferably cane) – 1 teaspoon;
- vanilla sugar - to taste.
Recipe
1. Combine cream and sugar (regular and vanilla) in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes thick.
2. Add coffee and salt to the Turk. Pour in water. Cook until foam appears, then leave for 1-2 minutes and strain from the grounds.
3. Pour coffee into cups, add creamy caramel and stir. The drink is ready.
Basic brewing rules
Each country approaches coffee ceremonies differently. For example, in Ethiopia, a tonic drink is usually served in 2 cups.
Salted coffee is usually not filtered. This makes it easier to prepare. In order for the grounds to completely settle to the bottom of the mug, the finished espresso must be infused for 1-2 minutes.
Adding a few drops of cool water to your coffee will help speed up the settling process.
To maximize the flavor palette of this non-standard drink, it is recommended:
- Use only high-grade grains.
- Grind the coffee beans very finely.
- Use a ceramic Turk during cooking.
- Do not add large amounts of seasonings to a hot drink.
- Pour salt into the Turk before putting it on the stove.
According to the traditional recipe, this espresso is served with a glass of water.
Coffee with salt and cinnamon
It has a mild taste and characteristic aroma of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
- ground coffee – 2 teaspoons;
- cinnamon – 0.5 teaspoon;
- water – 200 ml;
- sugar – 1 teaspoon;
- salt – 1 pinch.
Recipe
1. Pour sugar and coffee into the pot. Pour in water.
2. Cook until foam appears. Add salt and cinnamon.
3. Boil again, let it brew for 2-3 minutes, pour into cups, after filtering through a strainer or coffee filter.
Unusual recipes
True gourmets love to add new ingredients to the drink - spices, toppings, alcohol, zest. If you also like to experiment, try any of the recipes below.
Table 1. How to make salted coffee
Recipe | Components | Cooking process |
With pepper | · ground grains – 1 tbsp. spoon; | Prepared according to the classic recipe. Just before the last heating you need to add pepper to the drink. |
· NaCl – a pinch; | ||
· black pepper – a pinch or 1 pea; | ||
· granulated sugar – 0.5 tbsp. spoons; | ||
· water - a glass. | ||
Cinnamon | · ground grains – 2 teaspoons; | Pour coffee into the pot and cook until a “head” appears. Then add the rest of the ingredients. Mix. Heat again without bringing to a boil. Remove from the stove and let it brew for a while. |
· NaCl – a pinch; | ||
· granulated sugar – 1 teaspoon; | ||
· ground cinnamon – 0.5 teaspoon; | ||
· water - a glass. | ||
With cream | · ground grains – 1.5 tbsp. spoons; | Heat the cream, sugar and vanilla over low heat until the mixture becomes thick. Prepare the remaining ingredients according to the classic recipe. Add cream-sugar mixture. |
· cream with 35% fat content – 3 teaspoons; | ||
· granulated sugar – 1 teaspoon; | ||
· NaCl – a pinch; | ||
Vanillin – ¼ teaspoon; | ||
· water - a glass. | ||
With orange | · ground grains – 1.5 teaspoons; | For the main ingredients, use the classic recipe. Add orange juice and zest to the finished drink. Wait 3–5 minutes. |
· orange juice – 1 teaspoon; | ||
· dried orange zest – 0.5 teaspoon; | ||
· granulated sugar – 1 teaspoon; | ||
· NaCl – a pinch; | ||
· water – 150 ml. | ||
With cognac | · ground grains – 1.5 teaspoons; | Brew coffee according to the classic recipe. Add cognac and let it brew for 1-2 minutes. |
· NaCl – a pinch; | ||
· granulated sugar – 0.5 teaspoon; | ||
· cognac – 1 teaspoon; | ||
· water – 150 ml. |
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Why do you add salt to your drink?
A sufficient number of methods for making coffee with unusual additives have been accumulated, and many of them are considered traditional recipes. Salt helps:
- soften the water;
- retain water in hot weather;
- replenish the lack of mineral salts
The methods for making a drink with salt are ordinary: they do not require the deepest knowledge, and anyone can cope with the task in their own kitchen. Spices, water, grains and the desire to experiment - that's all you need to arm yourself with.
The inhabitants of the African continent, when receiving guests, serve them 2 servings of coffee in different cups. One drink is served undiluted, and the other is heavily salted. They believe that everyone should brew their coffee the way they like it.
Noisy feasts are always accompanied by a painful state after their end, and each country has its own tricks on how to speed up the process of “recovery” after alcohol abuse. It's sad, but parties bring not only fun, but also a hangover. Doctors recommend drinking more water the day before celebrating a special event and at the end. After the celebration, coffee with salt for a hangover can play an invaluable role. Drinking plenty of fluids, sleeping for more than 8 hours, a contrast shower in the morning, and a salty drink will help restore aqua balance, and relief will come sooner. The French drink strong coffee with salt after sleep, and believe that this method will help get rid of the syndrome overnight.
Does coffee need salt?
Usually in Europe, additives such as sugar, cream, and cinnamon are used to overcome the coffee bitterness. But in countries where drinking the drink dates back earlier, they prefer to drink it differently. This is how the world-famous additives appeared - salt, pepper, coriander.
Scientists have confirmed that salt is even more effective at reducing the bitter notes of coffee beans than sugar. In hot, dry climates, salt is a life-saving remedy for dehydration. That's why this recipe appealed to the taste of the people of Brazil. Salt helps avoid very large losses of water from the body. It also helps soften water, which is particularly hard in Asian countries, which is why coffee has a softer, velvety taste.
Another fundamental property of salt was that previously it was an expensive product, available only to the wealthy. The addition of this spice helped solve a huge number of problems: in addition to a unique new taste, salt provided the elements necessary for the body.
Why add salt?
Residents of European countries add sugar and milk to coffee to reduce the bitterness associated with the drink. But the peoples who learned about the tonic properties of the fruits of the coffee tree even earlier than the Europeans realized that spices cope well with this task.
The hot climate, common in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, simply leads to dehydration. For local inhabitants, the usefulness of salt is obvious: it allows you to maintain the right amount of water in the body, softens the water and, unlike sugar, does not contribute to the development of caries.