Glossary
There are many terms and expressions in the coffee and tea world that may be difficult to understand to the novice. We have compiled a list of the most commonly used terms for you. Click a letter below....
Terms begining with 'A'
Acidity
Acidity points up to a coffee's flavor and provides liveliness, sparkle, or snap to the drink. It is tasted mainly on the tip of the tongue. The acidity of a coffee may be assessed as lively, moderate, flat or dull. Not to be associated with the genuinely sour taste.
Aftertaste
The perception of brewed coffee vapors released after swallowing. Characteristics can range from carbony, chocolaty and spicy to turpeny.
Americana Latte
A delicious dark roast continental coffee with just a touch of milk.
Americano
A shot or two of espresso that has been poured into a glass filled with hot water. A delicious cup of dark roast continental coffee.
Arabica
A specific variety of coffee (Coffee Arabica) is considered to be the best variety of coffee. The majority of the world's commercial coffee is Arabican. Nearly all specialty coffee is Arabican.
Aroma
The fragrance of brewed coffee. The smell of coffee grounds is referred to as the Bouquet.
Afternoon Tea
The name given to the British meal taken mid-afternoon, comprising finger sandwiches, scones cakes and pastries accompanied by tea. The 7th Duchess of Bedford is reputed to have given birth to afternoon tea, early in the 19th century, when she decided to take tea to stave off the pangs of hunger she suffered between lunch and dinner.
Amoy
Fulien oolong teas marketed at Amoy.
Anhwei, Anhui
One of the provinces in China where tea is grown.
Aroma
Smell or scent denoting 'inherent character' usually in tea grown at high altitudes.
Assam
A region in northeastern India, known for its robust, high quality teas characterised by their smooth round, malty flavour.
Auction
Sale of tea in an auction room on a stipulated date at a specific time. Tea auctions are held in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Kenya and Malawi- these auctions only sell teas from their particular areas. The London Tea Auction, which was held every Monday morning (barring public or bank holidays) in the City of London until it's close in 1998 was the only true international tea auction, where teas from all over the world were sold.
Autumnal
Teas harvested in autumn and touched with cool weather. The term is normally applied to teas from India and Formosa.