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Coffee Flashcards

Coffee terminology flashcards

Master brewing methods, bean origins, and extraction principles.

Extraction

The process of dissolving soluble compounds from ground coffee beans using water.

Hint: Under = sour, over = bitter.
Golden Ratio

Standard coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 to 1:17 by weight (e.g., 20g coffee to 300-340g water).

Hint: Starting point for brewing.
Bloom

Initial pour that saturates grounds and releases CO2, typically 30-45 seconds in pour over.

Hint: Watch for bubbling.
Crema

Golden foam layer on top of espresso, created by emulsified coffee oils and CO2 under pressure.

Hint: Sign of fresh espresso.
Burr Grinder

Grinder with two abrasive surfaces that crush beans uniformly, superior to blade grinders.

Hint: Essential for consistency.
Arabica

High-quality coffee species with complex flavors, grown at higher altitudes. 60-70% of world production.

Hint: More refined than Robusta.
Single Origin

Coffee from one geographic region, showcasing terroir and unique characteristics.

Hint: Opposite of blend.
Light Roast

Roasted to first crack, preserving origin flavors, higher acidity, more caffeine.

Hint: Bean characteristics shine.
Dialing In

Iterative process of adjusting grind, dose, and time to achieve perfect espresso extraction.

Hint: One variable at a time.
Pour Over

Manual filter brewing method where water is poured over grounds in a cone, producing clean, bright coffee.

Hint: V60, Chemex, Kalita.