Doing This Could Make You Actually Like Drinking Black Coffee
If your response to this headline is "Why?" you're not alone. According to Eat This, Not That!, 67% of us typically add something, or more than a few somethings, to the roughly 400 million cups of coffee that are consumed in America each day (via Coffee or Die).
While cream, sugar, or facsimiles of each (which are often synthetic products consisting of artificial flavors and preservatives) are for those of us who have not yet embraced black coffee, those additions alter the intended flavor. According to Solo Espresso, coffee's distinct flavor comes from the oils and certain chemicals that are extracted from the beans; anything added will interact with the oils, making it impossible to appreciate the actual flavor of that bean. Eschewing cream and/or sweeteners that can mask the flavors, body, and aromas of the coffee can introduce you to new and exciting taste sensations.
Besides the enhanced taste, which is a pretty good incentive to plunge into black coffee, the added calories (and chemicals) from creams and sweeteners can turn a health-positive beverage into a negative. But, there are still healthier ingredients that you can add, this includes cinnamon, extracts, or cocoa powder. Even though those replacements may carry fewer calories, they could still alter the flavor of the coffee itself, and that's not necessarily a good thing.
Black is the new black
Coffee was voted the most consumed beverage by adults in America, per Statista. If you have tried drinking it black in the past but didn't warm up to it, there are a few things you should consider, quality being one of the most important. The coffee industry is ever-evolving, and improvements all along the supply chain, from seed to cup, are changing the product for the better. According to Javapresse, "Black coffee isn't just burned dark liquid anymore. It's an opportunity for an experience that livens the senses." The health benefits should also be taken into account. Coffee is rich in antioxidants which can fight cell damage and reduces the risk of life-altering health conditions like heart disease and cancer per WebMD.
Making the switch can take some experimenting (via Solo Espresso). You can start by playing with different brews, like espresso. Water temperature, processes, and roasting and brewing times also affect the oils extracted from specific beans. In addition, to help train your brain, you can change the cup you use (we are creatures of habit that associate visual and taste elements), let coffee stand for a minute before drinking it, and make sure your machine is clean since residue can make your coffee more bitter. There is a whole world of flavors and aromas that black coffee offers; partaking in them can make your morning cup-of-joe not just good for you, but also mmm, mmm, good.