Not familiar with a term used in one of our articles or reviews? Click any letter below to view a list of coffee terms and definitions beginning with that letter.
Tamper. In espresso brewing, the small, pestle-like device with a round, flat end used to distribute and compress the ground coffee inside the filter basket.
Tanzania. The best and most characteristic Tanzanian coffees display a rich flavor and full body, with a vibrantly winy acidity that makes them resemble the coffees of neighboring Kenya. Others are softer, gentler coffees.
Tapachula, Chiapas. Coffee-growing state in southern Mexico. The best Chiapas coffees are grown in the southeast corner of the state near the border with Guatemala, and may bear the market name Tapachula after the town of that name. At their best, Tapachula or Chiapas coffees display the brisk acidity, delicate flavor, and light to medium body of the better known Mexican coffees of Oaxaca and Vera Cruz States.
Tarrazu, San Marcos de Tarrazu. Market name for one of the better coffees of Costa Rica.
Thermal Block. A system for heating water in espresso brewers that uses coils of pipe enclosed inside a heating element or hot water tank.
Timor. Single-origin coffee from East Timor. At this writing East Timor is in turmoil as it moves toward independence from its huge, enveloping neighbor, Indonesia. Timor coffee was a classic origin in the early years of the 20th century. Recently it was revived with help from international assistance agencies. At best, distinguished by fullish body, expansive flavor, and a low-toned, vibrant acidity. At worst, may display unpleasant hard or musty defects.
Toraja, Kalossi. Market name for coffee from southwestern Sulawesi (formerly Celebes), Indonesia.
Traditional Process, European Process. A group of decaffeination methods that use solvents to remove caffeine from green coffee beans. The direct solvent method involves treating the beans with solvent, which selectively unites with the caffeine and is removed from the beans by steaming. The indirect solvent or solvent-water method involves soaking the green beans in hot water, removing the caffeine from the hot water by means of a solvent, and recombining the water with the beans, which are then dried.
Tres Rios. Market name for one of the more respected coffees of Costa Rica.
Turkish Coffee, Middle Eastern Coffee. Coffee ground to a powder, sweetened (usually), brought to a boil, and served grounds and all.
Typica. A botanical variety of Coffea arabica. Var. Typica is one of the oldest and most traditional of coffee varieties. Some of the best Latin-American coffees are from Typica stock.
Adapted from Coffee: A Guide to Buying, Brewing & Enjoying; Espresso: Ultimate Coffee; and Home Coffee Roasting: Romance & Revival. St. Martin's Press.
Copyright © 1996, 2001 by Kenneth Davids. All Rights Reserved.
