Adding crushed eggshells to coffee is an old trick that can enhance your brew in a few ways. Here’s why and how to do it:

Benefits of Adding Eggshells to Coffee:

1. Reduces Bitterness – Eggshells are alkaline, which helps neutralize some of the coffee’s natural acidity, resulting in a smoother, less bitter taste.
2. Clarifies the Brew – The calcium in eggshells can help settle coffee grounds, leading to a clearer cup (especially useful for methods like cowboy coffee or French press).
3. Adds Minerals – Eggshells contain calcium and other trace minerals, which may slightly enrich your coffee (though not in significant amounts).

How to Use Eggshells in Coffee:

1. Clean & Prepare Shells:

• Rinse eggshells thoroughly to remove any residual egg white.
• Let them dry, then crush them into small pieces (or grind into a powder for maximum effect).

1. Add to Coffee Grounds:

• Use about ½ to 1 crushed eggshell per cup of coffee.
• Mix the crushed shells with your coffee grounds before brewing.

1. Brew as Usual:

• Works well with drip coffee, French press, or percolator methods.
• If making cowboy coffee (boiled), the shells help settle the grounds to the bottom.

1. Strain & Enjoy:

• The grounds and eggshell fragments should settle, but you can also strain if needed.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Freshness Matters – Use clean, dry eggshells to avoid any off-flavors.
• Not for Espresso – Best suited for immersion or drip brewing, not espresso machines.
• Moderation – Too many eggshells can make the coffee taste chalky.

Alternative Uses for Eggshells in Coffee:

• Eggshell Coffee (Scandinavian Tradition) – Some Nordic methods boil coffee with a whole egg (including shell) to clarify and mellow the brew.
• Composting – If you don’t like the taste, you can still compost used coffee grounds and eggshells together!

Would you like a specific recipe to try? 😊

Here’s a simple Scandinavian-style eggshell coffee recipe that yields a smooth, low-acidity brew with clarified grounds. This method is great for campfire coffee, percolators, or stovetop brewing.

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Eggshell Coffee Recipe

Serves: 4 cups
Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• ¼ to ½ cup coarse-ground coffee (medium-dark roast works well)
• 3–4 clean, crushed eggshells (about ½ shell per cup)
• Optional: A pinch of salt (enhances sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Prep the eggshells

• Rinse shells well, boil for 1 minute (to sterilize), then dry and crush into small pieces.

1. Combine ingredients

• In a pot, add water, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, and salt (if using). Stir.

1. Brew the coffee

• Bring to a near-boil (200°F / 93°C). Just as bubbles form, reduce heat and let simmer for 3–5 minutes.

1. Settle & strain

• Remove from heat and let sit 2 minutes. The eggshells will pull grounds to the bottom.
• Pour slowly through a fine mesh strainer or cloth filter for extra clarity.

1. Enjoy!

• The result should be a mellow, almost sweet cup with no bitterness.

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Bonus Tips:

🔥 Cowboy Coffee Hack: If camping, toss a whole egg (shell + egg) into boiling coffee—the proteins bind with grounds for easy settling.
☕ Cold Brew Version: Add eggshells to your cold brew steep for reduced acidity.
🌱 Zero Waste: Compost the used grounds + shells afterward!