What determines the body of a coffee?

The body of a coffee refers to its weight and texture on the palate, essentially how full or rich the coffee feels when you taste it. The type of coffee bean plays a crucial role in this, as different beans have varying levels of oils and solids, which contribute to the sensation of body. For instance, Arabica beans tend to produce a lighter body in comparison to Robusta beans, which generally provide a fuller mouthfeel due to their higher caffeine content and different oil compositions.

Additionally, the brewing method significantly influences the body. Methods like espresso extraction and French press often result in a fuller-bodied coffee due to the longer contact time with water, allowing for more oils and solids to be extracted. In contrast, methods like drip brewing may yield a lighter body as they filter out more of the solids and oils.

The other options—amount of espresso, type of milk, and flavoring syrups—affect other characteristics of the beverage but do not fundamentally determine the coffee's body itself. For example, espresso can have a rich body, but without the proper bean and brewing method, it might not achieve its potential. Likewise, the type of milk or added syrups can enhance flavor or texture but are not intrinsic to the coffee's natural body