Coffee 101: Exploring the Language and Lingo of Your Favorite Brew

Coffee 101: Exploring the Language and Lingo of Your Favorite Brew

Coffee 101: Exploring the Language and Lingo of Your Favorite Brew

Mar 15, 2023

☕️ Coffee → one of the world’s most traded commodities and popular beverages. It’s what keeps most of us caffeinated - and sane - throughout the day. Follow along as we spill the beans on all things coffee!


The Coffee Glossary


As an everyday coffee drinker, you may know the difference between a latte and cold brew, but do you know the difference between the Coffea Arabica bean and Coffea Robusta bean? Don’t fret if not, we’re here to help you become a coffee connoisseur! Check out our glossary of coffee terms below ⬇️

Coffea (AKA Coffee)

Seed-bearing plants that stem from a family of flowering plants called Rubiaceae.

Coffea Arabica

One of the two main species of coffee bean that is used in over 70% of coffee beverages. Smooth and sweet with notes of chocolate and sugar.

Coffea Robusta

The other of the two main species of coffee bean that is significantly more caffeinated than its counterpart, Coffea Arabica. Strong and bitter with grainy or rubbery overtones.

Organic

Beans that have been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers.

Fair Trade

Coffee that has met certain sustainability and labor standards set out by fair trade organizations.

Roast

The heating process that brings out the aroma and flavor of coffee beans, transforming them in color, from green to brown, and in taste. Generally, roasts are classified as light, medium, medium-dark and dark.

Acidity

Also referred to as brightness or liveliness, this is the pleasant and palette-cleansing tartness of coffee.

Body

The mouthfeel of the coffee as it settles on your tongue. Generally described as light, medium or full, with full-bodied coffees retaining more of their flavor and having a thicker mouthfeel.

Aroma

The fragrance of coffee often described as flowery, fruity, nutty, smoky and herby.

Single-Origin Coffee

Unblended coffee sourced from a single country, region or farm.


Worldly Flavor

Coffee grows in around eighty countries in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Each region offers varying and unique flavor profiles to fit every coffee drinker’s taste buds!

Africa is the oldest known producer of coffee and is popular for its bright and fruity notes most popularly cultivated in Ethiopia and Kenya. Its distinct profile tends to be enjoyed best during the summer months when a hint of sweetness hits the spot!

Asia provides a spectrum of flavor profiles that match its physical vastness. India and Indonesia are known for producing a creamy, smooth and earthy beverage that can be soothing during a cold morning. Meanwhile, more volcanic regions such as Papua New Guinea offer a slightly more acidic and sweet brew that can be best enjoyed in a warmer climate.

The Americas represent coffee on a grand scale, with Brazil being the world’s largest coffee producer for over 150 years. Popular options from Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico are known to have deeper chocolate and nutty finishes that can resemble a perfect winter beverage. On the contrary, Hawaii and Costa Rica represent a cleaner and lighter roast that can be quite refreshing when it’s hot out.


TrendZ

Stay up to date with the latest GenZ coffee trends

📈 Non-dairy milks have become increasingly popular for their health benefits, environmental sustainability and taste! We’re highlighting a few of our favorites below ⬇️

  • Soy
    Mild and creamy, soy milk is a go-to dairy-free milk option. Great for those who love the taste of coffee as it won’t compromise it’s flavor!

  • Oat
    Thick, buttery and wheaty, oat milk has become cow’s milks biggest rival. This milk complements both hot and cold coffee beverages!

  • Coconut
    Creamy, dense and naturally sweet, this milk alternative adds an amazing exotic taste to your coffee drink if you aren’t looking to add artificial flavorings.

  • Almond
    Nutty with a slightly bitter aftertaste, a popular option if you’re looking for a variety of flavors - from unsweetened to vanilla and even chocolate.

  • Rice
    Subtly sweet and more watery than other milk options. Rice milk is perfect for coffee drinkers with nut allergies.

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