How Does the Change of Season Affect the Taste of Coffee?

25/09/2024

The change of season, especially the transition to autumn, can affect the perception of coffee flavor in various ways. Here's how the weather and characteristics of autumn influence how we enjoy and perceive coffee:

1. Temperature and Flavor

During autumn, cooler temperatures make us crave warm and comforting drinks. Hot coffee not only provides warmth but can also highlight certain flavor notes that we may not notice as clearly in warmer weather. For instance, the spicy, chocolatey, and earthy notes of coffee are more enjoyable in autumn, as they evoke cozy feelings.

2. Changes in Humidity

Humidity levels in the air also change with the season. In drier climates, coffee can lose moisture more quickly, affecting its freshness and flavor profile. Coffee beans tend to absorb moisture from the environment, which can influence the roast and, consequently, the flavor. Coffee stored in dry or warm conditions can lose its flavor characteristics faster.

3. Seasonal Flavor Preferences

In autumn, consumers tend to prefer coffees with richer and more complex flavor profiles, such as those with notes of caramel, nuts, spices, and cocoa. Varieties like Ethiopian, Sumatran, or Guatemalan coffees, with deeper and more complex profiles, become more popular. This is because these flavors align with seasonal food consumption trends, which also lean towards warm and spiced tones.

4. Brewing Methods and the Season

The way we brew coffee also changes in autumn. Methods like the French press or Chemex, which produce a more robust and full-bodied coffee, become more appealing. These methods tend to highlight the warm and earthy flavors of coffee, making them more suitable for the colder months.

5. Change in Sensory Perception

Cooler weather can cause our taste buds to respond differently to coffee flavors. In autumn, flavors are perceived more distinctly due to less interference from high ambient temperatures, allowing us to appreciate the nuances of coffee more.

6. Influence of Mood and Environment

Mood influenced by autumn, with its more melancholic weather and cozy atmosphere, also affects how we perceive coffee. In this season, we seek sensory experiences that provide comfort, making flavors associated with warmth and home feel more pleasant.

7. Seasonal Roasting

Some roasters adjust their roast profiles according to the season, offering beans with slightly darker roasts in autumn. These roasts tend to enhance chocolate and spice notes, catering to the consumer's desire for more intense and warm flavors.

The change of season not only affects the weather but also how our senses interact with coffee. This opens an opportunity to rediscover familiar flavors and explore new sensations in every cup.