Visual coffee glossary
Coffee culture · CAFIpedia

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Acidity

Acidity

Flavors, Aromas, and Cupping

In the world of coffee, acidity is not a flaw: it is a virtue. If you have ever wondered what acidity means in coffee, imagine that fresh spark reminiscent of a green apple or a citrus fruit. It is what gives the cup life, brightness, and energy. When well balanced, it elevates the whole profile. Pro level activated.

Lactic Acidity

Lactic Acidity

Flavors, Aromas, and Cupping

This type of lactic acidity is not like that of a lemon, but more like that of yogurt or kefir. It is soft, creamy, and elegant. If your coffee has lactic acidity, it will taste like a fine little dessert. It doesn't sting, it rather caresses the palate. It is typical of coffees with soft, creamy acidity that are enjoyed calmly and with good taste.

AeroPress

AeroPress

Brewing Methods

It is a portable, lightweight, and super versatile coffee maker. It combines pressure and time to brew a smooth, clean coffee full of flavor. Ideal for those who love to experiment with recipes and always look for the perfect spot in every cup. If you are wondering how to make coffee with an AeroPress step by step, this little machine is your ally. Easy to wash, perfect for travel, and great for showing off that you're a barista even in the woods.

Affogato

Affogato

Coffee Types and Drinks

An Italian dessert where vanilla ice cream is "drowned" in hot espresso. It is the perfect fusion of sweet and intense. Simple, elegant, and delicious. If you are looking for how to make affogato with espresso coffee, this classic is the perfect finishing touch to any meal.

Aftertaste

Aftertaste

Flavors, Aromas, and Cupping

Aftertaste is what follows when the sip is over. That flavor that stays with you seconds (or minutes) after drinking coffee. If you have ever wondered what aftertaste is in coffee, think of it as the tasty echo of a good cup. When it is delicious and lasting, it becomes unforgettable.

Altitude

Altitude

Bean Varieties and Regions

In coffee, altitude matters. At higher altitudes, the bean ripens more slowly, which translates into better flavor, more acidity, and complexity. That is why mountain coffees are so coveted. If you hear "grown above 1,200 masl," you are looking at a top coffee. Altitude in coffee directly influences its flavor, aroma, and quality.

Arabica

Arabica

Bean Varieties and Regions

It is the top-tier coffee bean. It has less caffeine than Robusta, but much more flavor, aroma, and personality. With fruity, floral, or chocolatey notes, it is the favorite of specialty coffees. Arabica coffee is recognized for its superior quality, its smoothness, and its aromatic profile.

Astringency

Astringency

Flavors, Aromas, and Cupping

Some coffees leave a dry or rough feeling in the mouth. That is astringency. Knowing how astringency is perceived in coffee helps you understand when it adds complexity… and when it gets in the way. It is most noticeable in over-extracted or poorly roasted coffees. Like spice: well measured, it contributes. Too much, it ruins.

Low Astringency

Low Astringency

Flavors, Aromas, and Cupping

When a coffee has low astringency, everything flows smoothly. Nothing scratches, nothing dries the mouth. It is as if every sip glided elegantly, leaving only flavor and enjoyment. If that dry or rough feeling has ever bothered you, this type of cup is the opposite: easy to drink and friendly to the palate. A coffee with low astringency is ideal for those who want smoothness without losing character.

Backflush

Backflush

Barista Techniques and Tools

Backflushing an espresso machine is the deep cleaning every coffee machine needs. It is done with a blind filter and pressurized water to remove hidden residue that could affect flavor. It sounds technical, but it is key so your coffee doesn't taste off. If you make espresso often, your machine deserves its spa day too. Do it regularly, barista.

Balance

Balance

Flavors, Aromas, and Cupping

When no flavor dominates and everything gets along: sweetness, acidity, body… the coffee is in harmony. If you are wondering what balance means in coffee, that is exactly it: a cup where everything flows without drama. Like a well-tuned band, every note is felt without overshadowing the others. A balanced cup = round pleasure.

Balance Siphon

Balance Siphon

Brewing Methods

The Balance Siphon looks like it came out of a steampunk movie. It uses heat and vacuum to brew coffee in a wild but elegant system. It is pure show + science + spectacular coffee. To impress and enjoy like royalty. If you are looking for a unique experience, the Balance Siphon for vacuum siphon coffee brewing has it all.

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