New year New you? How black coffee supports health

A guide to brewing and enjoying pure coffee 

For many, black coffee is the purest form of enjoying this beloved beverage as it’s unadulterated, simple, and full of flavour. 

But what exactly is black coffee, and why is it gaining popularity among coffee lovers worldwide? 

What is black coffee?

Simply put, black coffee is brewed coffee served without any additives. That means no milk, cream, sugar, or flavourings. It’s just coffee and water, allowing the natural taste of the beans to shine through. Whether you enjoy it from a drip brew, French press, or espresso, black coffee lets you experience the full spectrum of flavours the beans offer.

Benefits of drinking black coffee

• Low in calories: Black coffee is virtually calorie-free, making it a great choice if you’re mindful of your diet and still wanting to indulge.
• Rich in antioxidants: Coffee is a significant source of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
• Boosts mental alertness: Thanks to caffeine, black coffee can improve focus, concentration, and mood.
• Supports metabolism: Drinking black coffee may help enhance metabolic rate and fat burning.
• Simple and clean: Without additives, you get the purest taste of your coffee beans, ideal for appreciating quality and origin.

Best coffee beans for black coffee

For black coffee, quality and flavour clarity matter most. Generally, Arabica beans are preferred due to their smoothness, complex flavours, and balanced acidity. They tend to produce sweeter, fruitier, and more nuanced cups than other varieties.

The majority of our coffees at York Emporium are 100% Arabica, which offer several benefits such as aromatic flavours and plant based antioxidants. 

Roast levels that work the best for black coffee

• Light to medium roasts: These roasts preserve the unique characteristics of the beans, highlighting floral, fruity, and citrus notes. They also maintain brightness and acidity that can be lost in darker roasts.
• Avoid very dark roasts for black coffee if you want to taste the origin and complexity rather than just smoky, bitter or burnt flavours.

The best coffee beans for black coffee

One standout choice for black coffee is York Emporium’s The Terrence, a light roast Arabica coffee. It boasts bright acidity with subtle citrus and floral notes, creating a clean and vibrant cup. Its balanced profile makes it ideal for brewing as black coffee, whether by pour-over, drip, or French press.

Shop The Terrence here

Two more of our favourite light roasts for black coffee drinkers:

Rwanda Ruli is clean, delicate and delightfully floral, with gentle citrus and blueberry notes, perfectly elevated in its purity. 

Shop here

The Cobbles brings a little more depth, with dark sugar, apple and stone fruit notes wrapped in a mellow, easy-drinking body. Characterful, but never overpowering.
Shop here 

How to brew the perfect black coffee

To truly appreciate black coffee:

• Use fresh, high-quality beans like Arabica light to medium roasts.
• Grind just before brewing to preserve freshness and aroma.
• Experiment with brewing methods like pour-over, Aeropress, or French press for maximum flavour clarity.
• Avoid adding sugar or milk to enjoy the coffee’s natural profile.

Why should you drink black coffee?

Black coffee is about embracing simplicity and authenticity. It’s a celebration of the bean’s origin, roast, and brewing precision. For those looking to explore coffee in its purest form, choosing the right beans, like Arabica, light to medium roasted, can transform your daily cup into a flavourful experience.

Try York Emporium’s The Terrence to start your black coffee journey with a roast crafted for clarity, balance, and enjoyment.