New Book ‘It’s Elemental’ Explores the Hidden Chemistry in Coffee

According to a recent study by the National Coffee Association, seven out of 10 adults in the United States consume at least one cup of coffee every week, and 62% drink coffee every day, proving that coffee consumption is an essential part of many Americans’ lives. But why exactly do so many of us choose coffee to get our daily caffeine fix? And is there a scientific reason behind it?

In a new book titled It’s Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything, author Kate Biberdorf dives deep into the science behind our favorite caffeinated beverage. Biberdorf, known by her fans as “Kate the Chemist,” is a scientist and chemistry professor at the University of Texas.

Biberdorf “travels the country building a STEM army of kids who love science as much as she does,” according to Penguin Random House, and is well known for her popular series of books on science for young readers. This first writing for adults is an amusing, easy-to-read book that uncovers the fascinating chemistry behind daily activities that many of us take for granted.

Whether it’s in your daily workout routine, hanging out with friends at happy hour, or even that sacred first cup of joe in the morning, Biberdorf explains the fundamental principles behind the chemical reactions that take place in our daily lives.

Chapter 5 of the book takes readers on a journey through a typical day, starting with what we consider the best part of the morning: coffee.

“Have you ever heard someone say that they’re cranky in the morning until they’ve had their first cup of coffee?” Biberdorf writes. “Or maybe you’ve noticed that your boss is friendlier after she drinks her espresso in the morning. There is definitive evidence that coffee affects our mood, and it’s largely because people easily develop a dependency on the caffeine molecule. They feel irritable when their body is actively searching for more.”

The chapter continues with an explanation of what happens when caffeine enters the body. While the average coffee drinker may never use the scientific term for caffeine — trimethylxanthine — Biberdorf does a great job of explaining the science and function of the molecular formula and how the chemical binds to specific receptors in your brain.

Biberdorf also takes a look at the science of roasting coffee. “When the beans are initially heated, they absorb energy in what we call an endothermic process,” she writes. “However, at around 175°C (347°F), the process suddenly becomes exothermic. This means that the beans have absorbed so much heat that they now radiate the heat back into the atmosphere of the roasting machine. When this happens, the settings have to be adjusted on the equipment, in order to avoid over-roasting the beans (which sometimes results in burnt-tasting coffee). Some roasters will even toggle the beans between the endothermic and exothermic reaction a couple of times, to achieve different flavors.”

It’s Elemental finishes off the chapter by dissecting two of the most critical factors to brewing the world’s best cup of coffee: water and grind size. The author gives a detailed explanation of why your hot water should be just “off the boil,” which, apart from espresso drinks, is the preferred brewing temperature for most coffees.

If you enjoy taking a closer look at the chemistry behind your favorite caffeinated beverage, we highly recommend adding this book to your library.

It’s Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything by Kate Biberdorf, Park Row Books, 352 pages, $27.99

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