The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Gourmet Coffee & Coffee Terminology

So they've opened up another gourmet coffee shop in the neighborhood. Just what exactly is the big deal with coffee these days? A few decades ago, coffee was rather plain and unassuming. You asked for coffee, you got coffee, either black, or with milk and sugar. Now we are faced with an extensive menu of choices even in convenience stores, as all of society eagerly jumps upon the gourmet coffee bandwagon.

We are no longer satisfied with simple brand names; now we read lengthy descriptions of various types of coffee beans and place orders in coffee shops for hot and cold coffee beverages that sound unique and sophisticated. The allure of gourmet coffee cannot be denied, but how many of us truly understand it? Below is a compiled list of coffee terms you might have run across but have yet to fully absorb the meaning of. By understanding these terms, you'll now be able to make a more informed decision when ordering coffee, and begin to truly appreciate the coffee-making process, as well as enjoy all the flavorful delight coffee has to offer.

Common Coffee Terms
Many of these same terms are often used to describe wine, though the meaning when applied to describing elements of coffee can be slightly different.

Acidity
Acidity is generally used to describe the overall flavor of the coffee. Coffee of decent quality should have a bright yet dry flavor, thus a high acidity. Acidity often increases as coffee beans are continually roasted.

Arabica
The most common type of coffee found in gourmet coffee shops, typically of higher quality than canned coffee. Arabica coffee is known for rich, bold flavors and powerful aromas. It is grown at high altitudes.

Aroma
The aroma is technically what attracts us to a particular cup of coffee. The aroma can be "tasted" either through scent, or after we have taken the coffee into our mouth, allowing it to rest there a moment. It is then that you can truly sense how good the coffee is, as you will detect aroma, body, and acidity. Different coffee blends are often utilized to create a coffee with a truly appealing aroma.