How is acidity defined in terms of coffee?

Acidity in coffee is defined as the bright, tangy flavor characteristics that contribute to the overall perception of the beverage. This specific quality is often associated with vibrant, fruity, or floral notes that can elevate the tasting experience. A well-balanced acidity can create complexity and enhance flavor profiles, distinguishing high-quality coffees.

While other aspects of coffee flavor, such as bitterness or smoothness, are important, they do not define acidity. Bitterness relates more to dark roast coffees or over-extraction, which can overshadow the desirable acidity. A light roast preference may be linked to the presence of acidity, but it does not define what acidity is. Likewise, smooth texture is a characteristic of mouthfeel and does not pertain to the flavor aspect of acidity. Therefore, the correct understanding of acidity relates directly to its defined bright and tangy flavor characteristics.