On the bag, in a coffee bar and in recipes you come across words that you don't always know. Below are ten words you often hear, in alphabetical order and in plain language. About the words that tasters use to describe taste (such as acidity, body and finish) you can read in the 10 tasting words explained.

Blend

A mixture of coffees from multiple origins. The difference with single origin you can read in single origin or blend: what suits your taste best?

Bloom

With filter coffee you first pour a little water over the coffee. The coffee then releases gas and swells up. You wait a moment before pouring further. See a V60 in five steps.

Brew ratio

The ratio between coffee and water, for example 1 : 16. That is 15 grams of coffee to 240 grams of water. Read brew ratios explained.

Crema

The layer of foam on top of an espresso. It is created because oils from the coffee are mixed with air under pressure. More in filter coffee or espresso: what are the differences?

Cupping

Tasting coffees side by side according to a fixed method: the same amount of coffee and water, the same time. This is how you compare coffees fairly. Tasters also use it to assess coffee, such as with the Specialty Coffee Association.

Extraction

The dissolving of flavor compounds from the coffee into the water. Too little extraction tastes sour and thin, too much tastes bitter. Grind, time and temperature play a role. See best grind size per brewing method.

Grind

How fine or coarse you grind the beans, from extra fine for espresso to coarse for a French press. Read the ultimate guide to coffee grinding.

Degassing

Freshly roasted coffee still releases CO₂. That is called degassing. Read how fresh is fresh?

Pour-over

Making coffee by pouring water over the coffee by hand, for example with a V60 or Chemex. See AeroPress or pour over: which brewing method suits you?

Single origin

Coffee from one origin, for example one country, one region or one farm. This way you taste the character of that place. Read origin explained.

Ready to taste?

• View our specialty coffees and choose a single origin or blend.
• Learn what is on the bag: how to read a coffee bag.