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Coffee Flavor 101 | 8. How to Distinguish Between Natural and Added Flavors in Coffee?

  • Writer: BeRo
    BeRo
  • Sep 13, 2024
  • 2 min read

1. Definition:

   - Natural flavors in coffee originate from the coffee bean itself, influenced by factors such as the variety, terroir, processing method, and roasting. These flavors develop naturally during the growing and processing of the coffee beans. Added flavors, on the other hand, are external flavorings introduced during or after roasting, often to enhance or mask the natural taste of the coffee.

2. Purpose:

   - Understanding how to distinguish between natural and added flavors in coffee is crucial for coffee lovers who seek authenticity and quality in their coffee experience. This knowledge allows them to better appreciate the complexity of natural coffee flavors and make informed choices when purchasing coffee. It also helps in identifying coffees that have been artificially flavored, which may be less desirable for those who prefer pure, unadulterated coffee.

3. Example:

   - Natural Flavors: A Fine Robusta coffee might exhibit flavor notes like cherry, dark chocolate, or caramel, which are inherent to the bean and influenced by the terroir and processing method. These flavors are subtle and complex, often blending harmoniously with other taste elements like body and sweetness.

   - Added Flavors: In contrast, a coffee with added flavors, such as vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel, will often have a more pronounced and uniform taste of the added ingredient. These flavors can sometimes overshadow the natural characteristics of the coffee, making the added flavor more dominant and easy to identify.


Comments

Specialty Coffee

"COVID initiated an unexpected crisis, causing the world to stall and shut down. Thus, we must live slower and capture the best moments in the darkest of times. I wondered whether my love for coffee has ripened over this period. I began devoting my time and passion towards researching the field of specialty coffee. I realized the value of coffee is more than just caffeine. It embodies a culture, a taste of different countries that diversify itself in every nation with a history of development dated back to the 19th century."

 

Slowly, the “sophisticated knowledge” I once pride myself on shattered. I had been so shortsighted and so assumptious. I never cared about where the products of my passion came from, knew nothing about growing to preliminary processing, roasting, preserving, and brewing a great cup of coffee. And I know, there are many presumptuous people all around us, just like me a few years back. They never knew what a great experience coffee could be despite it being indispensable in our lives. ​ As my appreciation for coffee reaches its peak, I feel delighted and satisfied sipping every cup of high-quality espresso extracted from Vietnam Fine Robusta beans. If you could experience every stage of the coffee value chain, from the early plantations to a cup of coffee, you will feel the same way as i do. This is the biggest motivation for us to pursue our dream of bringing high-quality Robusta beans to coffee lovers around the world. Trust me! The nature-gifted Fine Robusta that Vietnam has proudly developed shall be a great addition to your collection of specialty coffee. ​ iO Coffee looks forward to the companionship of all partners and the coffee-loving community on this wonderful journey. ​

 

Sincerely,

Ngo Huan Trung

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