Acidity in Coffee by Coffee Reserve Brands

Aug. 12, 2010 - PRLog -- When tasting coffee one looks for descriptors to illustrate how the coffee tastes as it relates to Body/Mouthfeel, Acidity, Sweetness, Bitterness and Umami (savory). And ironically with tasting, the use of the sense of smell come into play, and using it at the same time to determine these descriptors. This is definitely true with acidity. But what makes coffee acidic?
Acidity in coffee is a basic sensation you feel in your mouth, the energy or life of the coffee not necessarily the pH levels you learn in science. Having acidity in coffee is highly desired and it helps identify quality coffees. Without acidity the coffee would taste flat and lifeless.  However, to measure the type or flavor of acidity you must use your nose. Only it can tell you if the acidity is of lemon or orange flavor for instance.  
Coffees grown at higher altitudes and coffees grown in volcanic soils that are full of minerals tend to have a higher acidity level than coffee beans grown at lower altitudes. But there are other factors such as processing and roasting that can change the acidity level in the bean itself.
The way coffee is processed also creates acidity. Wet processed coffee beans will have a higher acidity level than dry processed beans.  The wet, or water, process is where the skin and mucilage (pulp) is removed using water and then put through the drying process.  In the dry method the whole cherry (fruit of the coffee plant which contains the bean) is dried and could take up to 4 weeks for drying before the fruit is sent to the huller. The dry method is the oldest method of processing.
The roasting process beans will change the level of acidity in the bean. The lighter roasted beans will have more acidity than beans that are Full or Dark Roasted. Some terminology of light roasted beans are Cinnamon Roast or New England and Full and Dark Roasted examples are Espresso and French.
Preference and taste is based on the individual and whether you like a light, medium or dark roast coffee it will all contain a level of acidity as fresh, good coffee should.

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Coffee Reserve Brands started roasting in 1997. This Arizona based beverage company blends passion into every facet of the business. They create exquisite upscale coffee blends, single origin coffees, and in room coffee as well as proprietary iced tea blends and private label co-packaged products for their hospitality and retail clients. With a presence on both a local and national level, Coffee Reserve Brand’s products can be found at your favorite coffee house, hotels and resorts, restaurants, and retailers serving their wonderful blends of coffee and teas.

Their coffee blends are prepared, roasted to their origin perfection, and packaged under the careful watch of their true coffee artisans. These same artisans continually cup test all of their products to ensure consistency, quality and freshness. Their teas are specialty blended to ensure an enticing aroma and flavorful taste.