Black coffee has been a beloved morning beverage for hundreds of years, steeped in stimulating effects for avid caffeine drinkers everywhere. Its strong, intense flavor is appealing and stimulating, and people everywhere start their mornings with a cup of black coffee. But is there a best time of day to drink it?
Picking the best time of day to drink black coffee is a matter of preference, lifestyle and individual preference, though some experts offer their own insight into when the actual best time is to consume it.
For instance, nutritionist Cynthia Pasquella-Garcia recommends drinking black coffee first thing in the morning. A cup of black coffee at breakfast, she advises, can give you a mental and cognitive edge, giving an intense feeling of alertness and productivity to kick off the day.
Further, Pasquella-Garcia suggests that drinking black coffee in the morning can boost your immune system, especially during the colder winter months.
Stacy Sims, Ph.D., elite sports nutritionist and senior scientist at ExercisePhysiology.com, takes a slightly different approach to when black coffee should be consumed. She suggests that the best time to drink black coffee is actually an hour or two before working out.
Sims explains that drinking coffee before exercise triggers a cascade of biochemical activities that lead to greater muscle performance and strength, as well as quicker recovery time. Additionally, drinking it before exercise will increase the metabolic rate and help to ensure that fat stores are burned as fuel.
Many coffee aficionados appreciate drinking black coffee throughout the day for its bitter taste and stimulating effects. Yet, if you’re looking for the ideal time to drink coffee, both Pasquella-Garcia and Sims agree that coffee should be consumed earlier in the day, preferably before noon.
According to Pasquella-Garcia, after noon is too late, as sleeping can be more difficult and the effects of caffeine can begin to wear off more quickly so that it doesn’t provide the same cognitive boost.
Coffee Properties
Part of the debate of when to drink black coffee has to do with its caffeine content. Caffeine itself is a stimulant, and its properties can significantly affect mental and physical performance. Depending on when it is consumed, a single cup of black coffee can have both positive and negative effects on the body.
Studies have shown that drinking coffee in the morning can increase energy levels and improve focus. Caffeine also helps suppress feelings of hunger, which makes it slightly beneficial for weight loss.
On the other hand, caffeine can have drawbacks, too. It can also increase physical and mental stress levels, raise blood pressure, and lead to feelings of anxiety.
Black coffee also contains essential minerals and vitamins that can be beneficial if consumed in moderation. For instance, if you drink up to two cups of black coffee a day, you can expect to get low-moderate levels of riboflavin, pantothenic acid, manganese and potassium. Additionally, caffeinated black coffee may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and liver diseases.
Health Considerations
Some individuals should be cautious when consuming black coffee. If you’re pregnant, it’s best to either avoid consuming black coffee altogether, or stick to one cup a day. High levels of caffeine can increase the risk of preterm labor and raise the risk of miscarriage.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, if you have arrhythmia, you should talk to your doctor before increasing your caffeine intake. High concentrations of caffeine can be disastrous for those with cardiovascular issues, as it can aggravate the symptoms of heart palpitations and increase the risk of stroke.
If you have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before drinking black coffee. While it does have some health benefits, it’s important that it be consumed in moderation and with a due regard for your current health and lifestyle.
Preparing the Perfect Cup
Brewing the perfect cup of black coffee takes practice, but once you’ve mastered the technique, you can enjoy a rich and flavorful cup of java each morning. Here are a few tips to bear in mind when preparing black coffee.
To get the most from your coffee, always start with fresh and high-quality beans. Pre-ground beans are usually not as fresh, and you won’t get the full flavor and aroma from them. Additionally, use cold, filtered water when brewing all types of coffee.
You should also use the right amount of coffee grounds for the amount of water you are using. Generally, one tablespoon of coffee grounds is adequate for one cup of water. How tightly you grind your beans also makes a difference. If you’re using a drip-style coffee maker, medium grind is usually perfect.
And lastly, don’t forget to clean your coffee maker regularly with a vinegar solution, and be sure to run through a couple more brew cycles to make sure all of the vinegar is out of the machine.
Storage Considerations
Freshness is key for a flavorful cup of black coffee. To maximize your beans’ freshness and flavor, store them in an opaque, airtight container and in a cool, dry place. If you keep them in this manner, your coffee beans can last for several weeks.
For even longer storage time, consider storing them in a vacuum-sealed canister or bag, then keep them in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help preserve the freshness of the beans even longer. However, bear in mind that once you’ve opened the vacuum-sealed container, you should consume the coffee beans within a week.
The Right Coffee Brewer
The method in which you brew your coffee has an effect on the quality and taste. For those just getting started with brewing their own coffee, an automatic drip coffee maker is often the best choice, as it’s simple to use and doesn’t require much effort.
If you’re looking for something a bit more advanced, temperature control coffee makers will allow you to control the exact temperature of the water as it’s brewed, though they will require a bit more work. For those looking for a more hands-on approach, pour-over coffee makers are ideal, letting you immerse yourself in the process of making a bold, flavorful cup of coffee.
Grinding Your Own Coffee Beans
Grinding your own coffee beans can make a world of difference in the flavor and aroma of the coffee. A burr grinder is ideal for this, as the conical blades grind coffee beans evenly, which translates to a more consistent flavor in the cup.
If you don’t have a burr grinder, a simple electric grinder will do the trick. Manual grinders tend to be effective in smaller amounts, but won’t be as consistent as other types of grinders.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to drinking black coffee, what works best for you may be different from what works for someone else. Most experts suggest drinking it in the morning, before exercising, and no later than noon. But whatever you decide, be sure to pay attention to the properties and potential side effects of caffeine. As with anything else, moderation is key. With the right beans, preparation, and brewing method, you can look forward to a satisfying cup of full-bodied black coffee each morning.
