Flavor & Cupping
Body
The tactile weight and texture of coffee on the palate, ranging from light and tea-like to heavy and syrupy. Body is influenced by brewing method, roast level, processing, and the concentration of dissolved solids and suspended oils.
In Depth
Body is distinct from flavor — a coffee can be full-bodied yet clean-tasting, or light-bodied with explosive flavor. French press and metal filter methods produce heavier body by allowing oils and fine particles to pass through. Washed coffees tend toward lighter body than naturals, and darker roasts develop more melanoidins that contribute viscosity. In cupping, body is scored on both intensity and quality, with silky and creamy textures scoring higher than gritty or chalky ones.