over-extract

16:02 Apr 9, 2009 

http://www.coffee-makers-cafe.com/coffee-beverage.html

If you have ever experienced bitter, unpleasant coffee, it was probably over-extracted. Many people confuse over-extraction with coffee strength. So, in an attempt to avoid the bitterness, they ask for weaker coffee. As you are about to find out, this is one of the worst things you could do. A weaker brew will only result in more unpleasant bitterness.

Over-extraction occurs when the brewing process extracts too much from the coffee beans. Not only are the fine, flavoursome oils extracted, so too are the bitter oils from deep within the bean. The most common reasons for over-extraction include using too little coffee, using water that is too hot, or brewing the coffee for too long.