Fresh half and half curdles in hot coffee
I have a specific travel mug that I use on occasion that will curdle the creamer. The creamer I used is only a few days old and it only happens in this mug. It's a stainless steel double walled with lid. I have no idea why it does this. When I use a normal mug, I have no issues.
Best Answer
One possible difference is that when you pour coffee (or any other hot liquid) into a ceramic mug, the liquid cools a fair bit (the heat is "lost" to heating the ceramic cup). The double-walled stainless mug is designed to lose as little heat as possible, and the inner wall has much less thermal mass than the ceramic. So, when you pour the creamer into the stainless cup, the coffee is hotter.
The simplest way to test if this is the case, would be to measure with an accurate thermometer. And the solution, then, would be to allow the coffee to cool some before adding the creamer.
Alternatively, temper in the creamer. To do this, put the creamer in the cup first, then add a little coffee, stir, add a little more coffee, stir, then add the rest. The idea is to slowly heat the creamer up to the coffee's temperature. This should prevent curdling, even if your coffee is near-boiling.
It could be some residue on the cup, but I doubt it, because stainless is fairly easy to clean. Also, it'd be hard to imagine enough residue to curdle the cream without also being very evident in the taste of the coffee. Stainless steel itself is pretty non-reactive, so its probably not a reaction with the coffee or cream.
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Quick Answer about "Fresh half and half curdles in hot coffee"
To do this, put the creamer in the cup first, then add a little coffee, stir, add a little more coffee, stir, then add the rest. The idea is to slowly heat the creamer up to the coffee's temperature. This should prevent curdling, even if your coffee is near-boiling.Why is my half and half curdling in my coffee?
This typically happens as a result of acid. As cream ages, lactic acids build up and it eventually curdles on its own. However, if you have a cup of coffee that's overly acidic, it can speed up the curdling process with older cream.Does half and half curdle when heated?
No: there isn't enough fat for the mixture to stay homogenized, and you'll end up with curdles. It's best to add the half and half as the last ingredient when your soup or sauce is finished. Then heat it gradually to a simmer to ensure that the half and half doesn't curdle.Can you put half and half in hot coffee?
Pour the desired amount half and half into the mug you'll be drinking your coffee in before you make the coffee. (This amount is totally a matter of personal taste.) Heat it in the microwave to take the chill out, maybe 20 seconds. Once the coffee is ready, pour it directly into the warmed half and half.Why is my half and half separating?
Even though it's brand new and stored carefully, cold half-and-half poured directly into very hot strong coffee sometimes curdles on the spot. If you don't see curds when you pour it slowly down the side of the cup -or when you put the half-and-half in first and the coffee afterwards- there's nothing to worry about.Why does my half and half curdle in my coffee?
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Answer 2
Are you by any chance cleaning the mugs differently? If you're using something acidic (vinegar maybe) to clean the stainless mug then it might be residue causing the curdling.
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