[wheeledgoat]

When I was in Dunkin Donuts a few years ago, I spied them preparing a fresh batch and saw them sprinking a bit of salt on the grounds before setting the drip. I did a web search, and it seems the theory is that a bit of salt helps cut down on the bitterness of the coffee.

Unless I have a real premium bean (Hawaiian Kona or something) I usually add just a dash of salt to any batch I make - drip or press. (Added to the grounds, before the water).

Anyone else?

[chefmike]

I dont, but it might be worth testing in a pot of the cheap stuff.

I would imagine it depends alot on what your existing water chemistry is. This can drastically change flavors in anything being made with the water

[phrogjlf]

I used to add a bit add Baking-Soda to really acidic coffee(Army coffee), when I was getting ulcers(stress). Have to try the salt trick...

[bigmike787]

If you're having to add salt to kill the bitterness of the coffee, then the coffee needs to go in the trash. Bitter coffee is stale coffee. When I first started home roasting, it took a bit of getting used to, because I always associated the bitter bite with how coffee is "supposed" to taste. With fresh beans, there is not bitter bite. I've never added salt to coffee and I doubt that I ever will.

[Austin]

I'll have to try it at work. I've been on a kick recently messing with quality, quantity, and preparation. Being the Coffee junky I'm the only one that really brews it. So far nobody has said anything.

[DarinM]

I don't use hardly any salt when I'm cooking, but I do like just a touch of salt in my coffee. The savory flavor it adds, especially with a really rich brew is something I find to be quite tasty. A little bit of very finely ground salt - almost a dust - on the rim of a mug - again just for a taste - is really nice. It's not something I routinely do, but on occasion it's a treat.

[Austin]

I'm not sure about on the rim, but I know in the pot people seem to like it better with salt than without.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by DarinM

I don't use hardly any salt when I'm cooking, but I do like just a touch of salt in my coffee. The savory flavor it adds, especially with a really rich brew is something I find to be quite tasty. A little bit of very finely ground salt - almost a dust - on the rim of a mug - again just for a taste - is really nice. It's not something I routinely do, but on occasion it's a treat.

Like a margarita? Do you use bar salt?

[Fiend]

No offense to op but salt sounds gross. Can you taste it when it's brewed?

[DarinM]

Originally Posted by Bill

Like a margarita? Do you use bar salt?

It's really too coarse. A very finely ground sea salt - and really we're talking about a very small amount. Just enough that you get just a tiny taste of salt off the rim just as the coffee hits your mouth. Maybe it's an acquired taste. I like it and a few of my friends do as well. YMMV, of course.