overbrewed

Overbrewed refers to the condition of coffee, tea, or other beverages that have been brewed for too long, resulting in a bitter taste and potentially astringent mouthfeel. This occurs because prolonged brewing allows tannins and other bitter compounds to leach into the water, overwhelming the more subtle flavors of the beverage. The optimal brewing time varies depending on the type of beverage and the specific ingredients used, but generally, overbrewing is considered to be any brewing time that exceeds the recommended guidelines.

Overbrewing can be easily avoided by following the recommended brewing times provided by the manufacturer or by using a timer to ensure the beverage is brewed for the correct duration. Additionally, using freshly roasted or ground coffee, and freshly brewed tea can help to minimize the risk of overbrewing. If a beverage has been overbrewed, it can be salvaged by adding milk or cream, which can help to balance out the bitterness, or by adding a sweetener to mask the taste. However, it is generally recommended to discard overbrewed beverages, as the bitter taste can be unpleasant and may linger in the mouth.