The color evolution of coffee beans during roasting: from light to dark

The color evolution of coffee beans during roasting

Coffee is one of the world's most popular beverages, and the roasting process of coffee beans determines their final color. From light to dark, coffee beans go through a fascinating evolution. This article will take a closer look at this process and explore the characteristics represented by each stage.

1. Light roast

Light roasting means that the coffee beans are heated at a lower temperature for a shorter time. This treatment allows the coffee beans to retain most of their original flavor and acidity, and produce a bright and clear color. After light roasting, the coffee beans appear light yellow or light brown, sometimes even with a reddish or bluish hue.

2. Medium (City) Roast

Medium (city) roasting is when the coffee beans are subjected to marginal heating at a slightly higher temperature for a period of time. This treatment reduces the acidity of the coffee beans while increasing the sweetness and bitterness. After medium roasting, the coffee beans are darker brown, sometimes with some reddish brown.

3. Medium to dark (full city) roast

Medium to dark (full city) roasting means that the coffee beans are heated at a higher temperature for a period of time. This treatment makes the coffee beans fuller and more shiny, and produces a rich and balanced taste. After medium to dark roasting, the coffee beans appear darker chocolate brown or chestnut color.

4. Dark (French) roast

Deep (French) roasting refers to the intense heating of coffee beans at very high temperatures for a period of time. This treatment forms a thick and smooth layer of oil on the surface of the coffee beans, and produces a rich and bitter taste. After deep roasting, the coffee beans appear very dark chocolate or black.

5. Extreme Roast (Italian Style)

Extreme roasting (Italian style) means that the coffee beans are subjected to strong heating at extremely high temperatures for a period of time. This treatment forms a very thick and smooth oil layer on the surface of the coffee beans, and produces an extremely rich and bitter taste. After extreme roasting, the coffee beans appear completely black, with almost no other color.

Summarize

From light to dark, coffee beans go through a fascinating evolution. Different degrees of roasting will bring different taste and flavor characteristics to coffee. Choosing the roasting degree that suits your taste preferences is one of the keys to tasting delicious coffee.