The Real Reason You Shouldn’t Reheat Your Coffee In The Microwave
We've all been there—you get distracted while drinking your morning brew and accidentally let it go cold. Your instinct may be to throw your cold coffee in the microwave for a few seconds, but did you know that reheating coffee like this can actually make it taste worse?
Understanding the effects of the microwave method will help you find the best way to reheat your coffee while maintaining its flavor.
What happens to coffee in the microwave?
Aromatic compounds are responsible for much of the flavor in coffee, but they can be volatile. These compounds can break down under the rapid heat of the microwave, leaving coffee with a duller, more bitter taste.
In addition, the intense heat of the microwave can also change the way you perceive flavor. If the coffee is too hot, you are more likely to notice the bitterness. Even a good quality brew loses its character once reheated this way, making the experience less enjoyable.
A better way to reheat your coffee
A cup of coffee that's gone cold can never truly be restored to its original flavor, but other methods of reheating will offer better-tasting results than the microwave.
If you need to reheat your coffee, warming it slowly on the stovetop will preserve more of its flavor. Heating it over low to medium heat brings the temperature up evenly without scorching the liquid.
The takeaway
Microwaving coffee may be quick, but it compromises the flavor and quality of the brew. It's ultimately best to finish your cup of coffee while it's still hot, but if it does get cold, the stovetop method is a better option.
By reheating it gently on the stove, you preserve more of the rich taste and aroma that make coffee so comforting.