Coffee Bean Roasting: Medium vs. Dark

Medium roast vs dark roast

The degree of roasting of coffee beans has an important impact on the taste and flavor of coffee. Medium roasting and dark roasting are two common processing methods, which differ in color, aroma, acidity and bitterness.

Medium roast

Medium roasting means that the coffee beans are processed in a high temperature environment to achieve a certain degree of caramelization. This treatment usually turns the coffee beans into light brown or chocolate color, and retains some of the original flavor.

During the medium roasting process, the water inside the coffee beans gradually evaporates, causing their volume to shrink. At the same time, due to the high temperature, the pectin substances are decomposed and released, making the surface of the coffee beans smoother.

Because the temperature control is stricter during medium roasting, it can produce more complex and subtle aromas while retaining a certain original flavor. Medium roasted coffee usually has a higher acidity and bright taste, while also retaining a certain degree of sweetness.

Dark roast

Dark roasting refers to processing coffee beans at a higher temperature to achieve a darker and richer flavor. This treatment will turn the coffee beans into dark brown or black and produce a rich and strong roasted aroma.

During the deep roasting process, due to the high temperature and long time, the moisture inside the coffee beans is almost completely evaporated. At the same time, due to the long-term exposure to high temperature, the pectin substances are completely decomposed and released, making the surface of the coffee beans very smooth.

Deep roasting causes a large loss of the original flavor and produces a series of new compounds. These compounds give the dark roasted coffee its unique bitter and burnt taste. In addition, the deep roasting process also reduces acidity and increases bitterness.

Medium roast vs dark roast

Medium roasting and dark roasting are two completely different processing methods, which have obvious differences in the color, aroma, acidity and bitterness of the coffee beans.

First of all, in terms of color, medium-cooked coffee beans usually appear light brown or chocolate brown, while deep-cooked coffee beans turn dark brown or even black.

Secondly, in terms of aroma, medium-cooked coffee usually has more complex and subtle aromas. These aromas may come from the original flavor and the compounds produced during the processing. Deep-cooked coffee, on the other hand, produces a rich and strong caramel aroma.

Furthermore, in terms of taste, medium roasting is usually more acidic and bright, and retains a certain degree of sweetness. In contrast, deep roasting reduces acidity and increases bitterness.

in conclusion

Whether you choose a medium or dark brew is a matter of personal taste and preference. Medium brewed coffee is usually more suitable for those who like bright acidity and original flavors. Dark brewed coffee is suitable for those who prefer a strong bitter taste.

No matter which roasting method you choose, you need to pay attention to controlling the time and temperature to ensure that the coffee beans can achieve the ideal flavor. Most importantly, when tasting coffee, you should choose the coffee beans that suit you according to your taste preferences.