Acidity

Acidity is a desirable primary coffee flavor sensation that is perceived as a pleasing sharpness toward the front of the mouth, a numbing sensation on the tip of the tongue, or a dryness at the back of the palate and/or under the edges of the tongue; denotes the quality of a gourmet coffee.

Acidity – One of the Major Coffee Characteristics

Acidity is a basic taste and one of the major coffee taste characteristics along with body, aroma, sweetness, bitterness, and aftertaste. These qualities are used by cuppers (professional coffee tasters) to judge coffees and compare the qualities of different coffees.

The desirable quality of acidity is due to acids in the coffee combining with sugars and increasing the coffee’s overall sweetness while also adding a certain vigor to the coffee.

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The Taste Qualities Imparted by Bitterness

A coffee’s acidity may impart a pleasant tartness, or snap, somewhat like a dry wine, yet it should not be so acidic that it causes bitterness.

Acidity is often described as dry, sharp (e.g., a sharp radiance enhancing the flavor), vibrant, lively, moderate, or dull. A coffee’s acidity may have a subtle fruity quality which may be further specified as, for example, citrusy, lemony, or berry-like.

Descriptions of Coffee Acidity – Distinct from pH Level

A high acidity is described as bright while a low acidity may be described as smooth, but if it is too low it will be considered unexciting and boring. A total lack of acidity may also result in a flat coffee.

Acidity does not, however, refer to the ph level (degree of acidity) of the coffee, nor should it be confused with the character of sourness (an unpleasant, undesirable sharpness or over-fermented bitterness).

Acidity in Top Gourmet Coffees

High-altitude premium coffees known for their acidity include Guatemala, Kenya, and Costa Rica coffees.

Mexican coffees tend to have a bright, clear acidity, in contrast to the overwhelming acidity typically present in Yemen Mocha coffees, which may even taste distinctively winey and sweet with a winey aftertaste.

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Kenya AA Coffee – Decaf Kenya Coffee – Tanzania Peaberry Coffee – Organic Fair Trade Sumatra Coffee

Guatemala Antigua Coffee – Guatemala Huehuetenango Coffee – Decaf Guatemalan Coffee (Green, Unroasted)

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Coffee and Espresso Brewing Tips

If you want to experience the fine flavors and aromas of your gourmet coffee beans then see our section on Coffee Brewing. You can also read comprehensive coffee taste profiles of the best Gourmet Coffees and then see the detailed instructions on preparing truly amazing Espresso Drink Recipes.

For step-by-step instructions on making espresso drinks see Pulling A Perfect Espresso Shot as well as Barista Guide to Perfect Lattes and Cappuccinos.

For detailed definitions of coffee terminology see the Coffee and Espresso Glossary.  Also check out the World’s Best History of Coffee.

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