Which of the following is NOT one of the five basic elements of coffee quality?

Bitterness is not typically listed as one of the five basic elements of coffee quality. The five elements commonly recognized include aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste. These components collectively contribute to the overall sensory experience of coffee.

While bitterness can be a characteristic of certain coffee types and can influence subjective enjoyment, it is often considered a result of other factors in brewing, such as over-extraction, rather than a fundamental component of coffee quality on its own. In contrast, the other four elements—aroma, flavor, body, and aftertaste—are essential aspects that define the quality of coffee and are widely discussed in coffee tasting and evaluation. Each of these elements plays a significant role in the complexity and richness of the coffee experience.