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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Hospitality

Challenge Your Coffee Knowledge Quiz

Explore Coffee Facts and Brewing Techniques

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art displaying elements related to coffee for a knowledge quiz

Ready to explore your coffee passion? This Coffee Knowledge Quiz challenges enthusiasts with 15 multiple-choice questions covering bean varieties, roasting techniques, and brewing methods. Ideal for baristas, coffee lovers, and students, it helps improve your understanding of coffee culture and flavors. The quiz is fully editable in our quizzes editor - customise questions to suit your needs or try the Coffee Service Training Quiz for more advanced practice. For a lighter challenge, check out the Coffee Brand Trivia Quiz.

Which species of coffee bean is most widely cultivated for its smooth flavor and lower caffeine content?
Arabica
Excelsa
Liberica
Robusta
Coffea arabica is prized for its smoother, more nuanced flavors and contains less caffeine compared to Robusta. It represents about 60 - 70% of global coffee production. The other species have distinct flavor profiles or higher caffeine levels.
Which country is recognized as the birthplace of Coffea arabica?
Colombia
Brazil
Ethiopia
Vietnam
Ethiopia is widely regarded as the origin of Coffea arabica, with wild coffee forests in the southwestern regions. The plant was later cultivated and spread worldwide. Other countries like Brazil became major producers much later.
Which brewing method uses a paper filter and allows water to drip through coffee grounds by gravity?
Pour-Over Drip
AeroPress
Espresso Machine
French Press
Pour-over drip brewing employs a paper filter and relies on gravity to draw water through coffee grounds. French Press uses immersion without a paper filter, Espresso uses pressure, and AeroPress combines immersion with manual pressure.
Which roast level is characterized by a light brown color, pronounced acidity, and preserved origin flavors?
French Roast
Light Roast
Dark Roast
Medium Roast
Light roasts are roasted briefly to retain most of the bean's original acidity and origin characteristics. They appear light brown with no oil on the surface. Dark and French roasts develop more roast-derived flavors.
In coffee tasting terminology, what does "body" refer to?
Sweetness
Color
Acidity
Mouthfeel
Body describes the tactile sensation or weight of the coffee in the mouth, often referred to as mouthfeel. It can range from thin to full and creamy. It is distinct from sweetness and acidity terms.
Which coffee variety is renowned for its floral and tea-like aromatics and originates from southern Ethiopia?
Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
Sumatra Mandheling
Kenyan AA
Colombian Excelso
Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is prized for its delicate floral and tea-like aromas, and it is grown in the Sidamo region of southern Ethiopia. Other origins produce different profiles, such as earthy Sumatra or bright Kenyan coffees.
Which brewing device employs both immersion and air pressure to extract coffee?
Siphon
V60
AeroPress
French Press
The AeroPress combines full immersion of coffee grounds with manual air pressure to push water through the puck. The French Press is pure immersion, the V60 is drip, and the siphon uses vacuum pressure without manual force.
What instrument is used to measure total dissolved solids (TDS) in brewed coffee?
Barometer
Calorimeter
Refractometer
Hydrometer
A refractometer measures the refractive index of coffee, which correlates to total dissolved solids (TDS). Hydrometers measure density, calorimeters measure heat, and barometers measure atmospheric pressure.
A medium roast coffee is typically known for balancing which two flavor attributes?
Floral and tea-like notes
Bitterness and smokiness
High caffeine and pungency
Acidity and body
Medium roasts strike a balance between acidity and body, preserving some origin characteristics while developing sweetness and fuller mouthfeel. Light roasts favor acidity, while dark roasts emphasize bitterness and roast flavors.
In cupping, which descriptor refers to the crisp, bright sensation perceived on the palate?
Aftertaste
Brightness
Sweetness
Finish
Brightness in coffee tasting refers to a high, vibrant acidity that feels crisp and lively on the palate. Aftertaste and finish refer to residual flavors, while sweetness is a distinct taste attribute.
How does grinding coffee beans finer affect the espresso extraction yield?
Eliminates need for tamping
Increases yield due to more surface area
Reduces strength of espresso
Decreases yield dramatically
Finer grinds increase the surface area exposed to water, which generally increases extraction yield and can make the coffee taste stronger or more extracted. It does not eliminate tamping requirements.
Overextracted espresso is most likely to taste:
Sweet and floral
Sour and thin
Bitter and hollow
Bright and citrusy
Overextraction pulls too many bitter compounds from the coffee, resulting in a hollow, overly bitter flavor. Sour and thin indicates underextraction, while sweet and floral or bright indicates balanced or underextracted profiles.
What is the ideal water temperature range for espresso extraction?
100-105°C
90-96°C
80-85°C
88-92°C
The ideal water temperature for espresso extraction falls between 90°C and 96°C, optimizing flavor solubility without scalding the coffee. Temperatures below or above this range can lead to under- or overextraction.
Which roast level will have visible surface oils on the beans?
Dark Roast
Light Roast
Cinnamon Roast
Medium Roast
Dark roasts are roasted long enough that internal oils migrate to the bean surface, forming a shiny appearance. Light and medium roasts retain oils internally and appear dry.
Which pastry pairing best complements a berry-forward, high-acidity coffee?
Cheesecake
Salted caramel cookie
Blueberry muffin
Dark chocolate brownie
A blueberry muffin echoes and complements the berry notes and bright acidity of the coffee without overpowering it. Richer desserts like brownies or caramel cookies can mask the coffee's delicate acidity.
Which mutation of the Bourbon coffee variety is known for its compact size and higher yield, first discovered in Brazil?
Typica
Caturra
Geisha
Catimor
Caturra is a natural dwarf mutation of Bourbon discovered in Brazil, valued for its compact plant size and higher yield. Catimor is a hybrid, Typica is the older variety, and Geisha is a distinct cultivar.
During professional cupping, what is the primary purpose of "breaking the crust" on the coffee's surface?
To remove coffee grounds
To evaluate aroma release accurately
To measure TDS
To cool the coffee quickly
Breaking the crust releases trapped aromatic compounds so cuppers can smell the coffee's fragrance before tasting. It does not serve to cool the coffee, remove grounds, or measure dissolved solids.
Which chemical reaction during the coffee roasting process involves amino acids and reducing sugars producing complex flavors and browning?
Maillard reaction
Fermentation
Hydrolysis
Caramelization
The Maillard reaction occurs between amino acids and reducing sugars at high temperatures, creating brown pigments and complex flavor compounds. Caramelization is sugar-only browning, and fermentation/hydrolysis are different processes.
In espresso extraction, what is a likely result of using significantly lower brew pressure than the standard 9 bar?
Under-extraction with sour flavor
Excess crema formation
Higher caffeine concentration
Over-extraction with bitter taste
Using lower pressure than the standard 9 bar slows extraction and often leads to under-extraction, resulting in sour, acidic flavors. Over-extraction and excess crema occur at higher pressure or longer times.
For a coffee with a pronounced fruity acidity, which of the following food pairings would best complement and balance its flavor profile?
Spicy chili chocolate
Tangerine sorbet
Smoky bacon
Creamy goat cheese
Creamy goat cheese provides a smooth, mild fat component that balances the coffee's fruity acidity without competing with it. Sweet citrus desserts can amplify acidity, while spicy or smoky flavors may clash.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse key coffee bean varieties and their origins.
  2. Identify popular brewing methods and equipment.
  3. Evaluate the impact of roast levels on flavor profiles.
  4. Apply coffee tasting terminology to describe aromas.
  5. Demonstrate correct espresso extraction techniques.
  6. Master pairing coffee with complementary flavors.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Origin Stories of Coffee Bean Varieties - Ever wonder how Arabica, Robusta and Liberica got their superpowers? Arabica's smooth sweetness hails from natural hybridization in ancient Ethiopian forests, Robusta packs a bold, bitter punch from central Africa, and Liberica's floral aroma floats in from Liberia's lush groves. Each variety brings its own personality to your morning cup. Read the Reuters study
  2. Popular Brewing Methods and Gear - Brewing coffee is like casting spells with steam and grounds! The French press conjures a rich, full-bodied brew through full immersion, the Moka pot whips up an espresso-like shot using steam pressure, and pour-over setups let you micromanage every drop for flavor perfection. Mix and match methods to find your ultimate ritual. Learn how a French press works
  3. Roast Levels and Flavor Profiles - Light, medium or dark? It's like choosing your coffee's mood ring. Light roasts highlight bright, floral and fruity notes, medium roasts balance acidity with body for a well-rounded hug in a mug, and dark roasts unleash bold, smoky flavors with a touch of caramelized magic. Picking the right roast tailors your taste adventure. Discover coffee roast types
  4. Coffee Tasting Terminology - Speak coffee like a pro with words like "floral," "nutty," "fruity" and "earthy." Ethiopian beans often bloom with flowery and berry-like aromas, whereas Sumatran brews dive into rich, earthy depths. Practicing your sensory vocabulary turns every cupping into a fun flavor treasure hunt. Explore coffee cupping techniques
  5. Espresso Extraction Techniques - Pulling the perfect shot is a science and an art. Nail your grind size, tamp with steady pressure, and aim for a 25 - 30 second extraction at around nine bars to create that silky crema and balanced flavor. With consistent practice, dialing in your espresso becomes second nature. Espresso basics on Wikipedia
  6. Pairing Coffee with Complementary Flavors - Match your brew to snacks like a flavor whisperer. Bright Ethiopian Yirgacheffe dances with citrus desserts, while earthy Sumatran roasts cozy up to rich chocolate treats. Mastering pairings turns your coffee breaks into gourmet experiences. Learn about food pairing
  7. Coffee Bean Processing Methods - Washed, natural or something in between? Wet processing washes away the fruit pulp for clean, bright cups, whereas dry processing lets beans dry inside the fruit for juicy, wine-like notes. The processing path leaves a lasting fingerprint on every sip. Dive into processing methods
  8. Role of Grind Size in Brewing - Think of grind size as the key to unlocking flavor. Coarse grounds are ideal for French presses to avoid bitterness, while fine grinds pack into espresso machines to build pressure for that perfect shot. Matching your grind to the method ensures balanced extraction every time. Guide to coffee grinding
  9. Global Impact of Coffee Cultivation - From tiny farms to global markets, coffee supports millions of livelihoods. Ethiopia leads the scene with rich coffee heritage, and sustainable practices plus fair-trade initiatives are paving the way for a healthier planet and happier growers. Knowing the backstory makes each cup more meaningful. Coffee production in Ethiopia
  10. Current Trends and Industry Challenges - Climate change, economic shifts and supply chain twists are reshaping the coffee world. Rising prices and unpredictable harvests keep growers and roasters on their toes, while innovations in sustainability and traceability offer fresh hope. Staying in the know makes you a savvy coffee insider. Read the FT report
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