A-C | D-F | G-I | J-L | M-O | P-R | S-U | V-Z

Medium roast
Coffee beans roasted to the American norm, also known as a Light French roast.

Mellow
A primary coffee taste sensation created as salts in the coffee combine with sugars to increase the overall sweetness. Mellow ranges from mild to delicate.

Mild
A secondary coffee taste sensation characterized by a predominantly sweet tingle just past the tip of the tongue. Caused by high concentrations of both sugars and salts.

Neutral
A secondary coffee taste characterized by the absence of a predominant taste sensation on any part of the tongue but causing a distinct parching sensation on the sides of the tongue. Caused by a concentration of salts high enough to neutralize both acids and sugars but not enough to provoke a salty sensation.

Nutty
An aromatic sensation created by a moderately volatile set of aldehydes and ketones that produce sensations reminiscent of roasted nuts. Characteristic of poor quality beans, that float, remain lighter in color and have a peanut flavor.

Organic
Organic is an important descriptive term in the contemporary coffee world. An organically-grown coffee must be certified by an international agency as having been grown without synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Somewhat lower yields and the considerable cost of the certification process account for the higher prices demanded for many organic coffees.