If you have ever experienced a moment of abject terror when faced with the decision of which type of coffee to buy at your local Starbucks you should take this moment to understand that you are most decidedly not alone. The coffee market is one of the few markets that truly is a world market. While there are countries whose primary economies are primarily built upon the coffee industry and their ability to export this profitable bean with consistent speed and quality.

The truth of the matter is that it seems virtually impossible for everyone to have tried each and every flavor available in order to rule out one over another. No matter how many choices you have at the local coffee shops you should rest well in the knowledge that there are really only two beans from which all this flavor is derived. Everything else is merely a matter of taste. Most coffee shops will cater to a very specific crowd and deal primarily with Arabica coffee beans as a result. You will find that there are many things however, that affect the flavor of the beans that are gracing your favorite cup.

The first thing you should keep in mind is that the quality of the beans affects the flavor of your coffee more than any other aspect of your coffee cup. If the quality of your beans is substandard then you will get neither the flavor nor the body you are hoping to receive. If you are using quality Arabica beans your primary concern is going to be the freshness of the beans and the roasting process. Coffee beans will hold flavor well for 7 days after roasting and only two days once they've been ground.

When you get around to the roasting process you have plenty of choices and each one will greatly change the flavor of your coffee. Darker roasts of coffee typically have a much richer flavor and lighter roasts are much more acidic.

You should keep in mind however that although there are primarily two types of coffee beans and many different types of roasting methods, there are other aspects of the coffee bean that greatly affects the flavor of the coffee. One of these things is the region in which the coffee plant was grown. There are different properties in the soil and the waters of a region that lend very unique flavors to the plants that are grown in these regions. Brewing method is also another great way to change the flavor of your coffee through small changes.

Another factor when it comes to the flavor of coffee are the things that are added to the coffee once it has been roasted, ground, and brewed. There are all kinds of spices, flavors, and other additives that can be used in order to provide a significant change of flavor for your coffee. You can combine all of these factors for one powerful flavor once you've narrowed down a few combinations that you prefer. The trick is a willingness to branch out and try new things. If you are willing to experiment with different flavors, roasts, blends, beans, and brewing methods you just might find a new flavor or two that will knock your socks right off.