match head in coffee

Go The Unusual Way – Match Head In Coffee

Have you ever heard of someone adding a match head to their coffee? It may seem like an unusual practice, but it’s a controversial topic with varying opinions. Some people swear by it, while others believe it to be dangerous and potentially harmful.

The idea behind putting a match head in coffee is that it can enhance the flavor and reduce bitterness. The potassium chlorate in the match head can neutralize the bitterness in coffee, similar to how salt can enhance the flavor of a dish. However, it’s important to note that match heads were not intended for human consumption and may contain harmful chemicals like glass powder. As a result, medical experts generally advise against adding match heads to your coffee.

Despite the controversy, the practice of adding match heads to coffee has gained some popularity in recent years, even appearing in popular culture like the TV series The Expanse. While it’s up to you to decide whether or not to try it, it’s important to do your research and consider the potential risks before adding a match head to your morning cup of joe.

What’s in a Match Head?

Match heads are made up of a combination of chemicals that allow them to ignite when struck against a rough surface. The exact composition of match heads can vary depending on the manufacturer, but some common ingredients include potassium chlorate, sulfur, and glass powder.

Potassium chlorate is a key ingredient in match heads because it helps to provide the oxygen needed for the match to ignite. Sulfur is also commonly used in match heads because it helps to create the distinctive smell associated with burning matches. Glass powder is often added to match heads because it helps to create a more stable flame.

3 Reasons for Putting Match Heads in Coffee

If you’re wondering why anyone would put match heads in their coffee, there are a few reasons.

Turning Bitter to Better

One of the most common reasons is to make a bad cup of coffee taste better. Adding match heads to coffee can neutralize the bitterness in coffee, much like adding a few granules of salt. This is because match heads contain potassium chlorate, which is similar to the potassium chloride in salt.

Tooth Woes Begone

Another reason some people put match heads in their coffee is to calm oversensitive teeth. Potassium nitrate, which is found in some matches, is also used in some brands of toothpaste to help alleviate pain from sensitive teeth. If you’re someone who experiences tooth sensitivity when drinking cold or hot drinks, adding a few match heads to your coffee could help ease the discomfort.

Chase Away Mosquitoes

Some people also believe that drinking match heads in coffee can keep mosquitos away, thus preventing mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever and malaria. This is because sulfur, another ingredient in match heads, is known to be a deterrent to mosquitoes. However, it’s important to note that the minuscule amount of sulfur in one match head is probably not enough to deter a mosquito, and eating more than one or two match heads at a time can be toxic to your health.

It’s important to mention that some of these claims may not be supported by scientific evidence. While adding match heads to coffee may enhance the flavor and reduce tooth sensitivity, it’s best to approach these claims with skepticism and caution.

Why Does Holden Put Matches in His Coffee?

You may have noticed that James Holden, the coffee-addicted protagonist of The Expanse, adds a match head to his coffee. But why does he do this? Some viewers have speculated that it’s because he’s in pain, under stress, or looking for an extra kick. However, the real reason is much simpler: he’s trying to improve the taste of his bad coffee.

Holden, like many coffee lovers, is always on the lookout for a good cup of joe. Unfortunately, the coffee available to him in space is often subpar. In the pilot episode, he’s seen drinking what is likely freeze-dried, astronaut-style instant coffee. Unsatisfied with the taste, he decides to try adding a match head to his cup.

But does it actually work? While Holden doesn’t comment on the taste of his coffee after adding the match head, it’s possible that the phosphorus and potassium chlorate in the match head could help to make the coffee less bitter. These compounds are often used as a salt substitute and can help to mask unpleasant flavors.

It’s worth noting, however, that ingesting phosphorus can be dangerous, and it’s not recommended to consume match heads or other sources of the chemical. Additionally, the safety of consuming potassium chlorate is questionable, and it’s not approved for use as a food additive.

Criticisms of Putting Match Heads in Coffee

While some people swear by adding match heads to their coffee, others have raised concerns about the practice. Here are some of the criticisms of putting match heads in coffee:

Potential Health Risks

Match heads contain chemicals like potassium chlorate and phosphorus, which can be harmful if ingested in large amounts. While adding one or two match heads to a cup of coffee is unlikely to cause harm to most adults, people with certain health conditions may be more at risk. For example, those with kidney problems or high blood pressure should avoid consuming too much potassium.

Negative Impact on Taste

Some coffee experts argue that adding match heads to coffee can negatively impact the taste of the beverage. They claim that the chemicals in the match heads can make the coffee taste bitter or metallic, and that it’s better to use other additives to improve the flavor.

However, It’s worth noting that some of the criticisms of putting match heads in coffee may be overstated or based on incomplete information. For example, while it’s true that match heads contain potentially harmful chemicals, the amount of these chemicals that would be present in a cup of coffee is likely to be very small.

Additionally, some people who have tried adding match heads to their coffee report that it does improve the flavor, despite the concerns of coffee experts.

Whether or not to add match heads to your coffee is a personal decision that should take into account your own health concerns and taste preferences. If you do decide to give it a try, be sure to use caution and moderation, and consider trying other coffee additives as well.

Matchhead Coffee Reviews

The Reddit review recounts an encounter with a rather aged jar of instant coffee that had been stored away for a solid ten years. Upon brewing a cup, the result was far from satisfactory – an intensely bitter brew that barely resembled coffee, described almost as a sour, brown liquid.

Having heard about an unconventional remedy involving match heads to counteract coffee bitterness, the individual decided to give it a shot. After meticulously crushing and adding a single match head, he was met with a pleasantly surprising result – a noticeable reduction in bitterness, with a hint of matchstick flavor in the background.

Encouraged by this experiment, he boldly attempted to further enhance the taste by introducing two match heads. However, this endeavor proved excessive, and the experiment was curtailed.

In summary, the review suggests that while adding a match head to highly unfavorable instant coffee may indeed alleviate bitterness to some extent, it’s far from a magical solution. It’s a worthwhile tactic to keep in your arsenal for desperate coffee moments, particularly in situations where alternative options are lacking.

Nonetheless, it’s emphasized that if better coffee alternatives are at hand, they would certainly be a wiser choice.

10 Alternative Add-Ins to Make Coffee Better

  1. Salt: Add a pinch of salt to your coffee grinds before brewing to give your coffee a whole new dimension of taste.
  2. Ice cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream to your coffee for a rich and creamy flavor. This is perfect for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat.
  3. Honey: Instead of using sugar or sweeteners, try adding honey to your coffee. It’s a healthier alternative and adds a natural sweetness to your cup.
  4. Cardamom: Add a pinch of ground cardamom to your coffee for an exotic and spicy flavor. It’s a popular addition to coffee in the Middle East and is known for its ability to neutralize the stimulating effects of caffeine.
  5. Vanilla extract: Add a drop or two of vanilla extract to your coffee for a heavenly and aromatic flavor. It’s a great alternative to flavored syrups.
  6. Lime or lemon peel: Add a small piece of lime or lemon peel to your coffee for a citrusy and refreshing taste. It’s also a great source of vitamin C.
  7. Coconut milk: Instead of using dairy, try adding coconut milk to your coffee for a creamy and nutritious alternative. It’s perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
  8. Melted chocolate: Add a spoonful of melted dark chocolate to your coffee for a rich and indulgent flavor. It’s a perfect treat for chocolate lovers.
  9. Nutmeg: Add a pinch of nutmeg to your coffee for a warm and cozy flavor. It’s a great addition to coffee during the fall and winter months.
  10. Cinnamon: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to your coffee for a spicy and aromatic flavor. It’s a healthier alternative to flavored creamers and syrups.

Try out these alternative add-ins to make your coffee taste better than ever before. Mix and match to find your perfect cup of coffee.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know about match heads in coffee, it’s up to you to decide whether to give it a try or not. Some people swear by it, while others find it strange or unnecessary.

Remember that there are many other ways to add flavor to your coffee, such as spices, syrups, and creamers. Experiment with different options and find what works best for your taste buds.

If you do decide to try adding match heads to your coffee, be sure to use caution and follow the instructions carefully. Only use one or two ground match heads, and be aware of the potential risks associated with ingesting phosphorus and sulfur.

In the end, the choice is yours. Whether you stick with your usual coffee routine or try something new, the most important thing is to enjoy your cup of joe in the way that makes you happiest.

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