Coffee roasting: subtle changes in depth, style and taste

Coffee roasting is an art. The subtle changes between depth, style and taste affect the final quality of coffee. Different roasting degrees will give coffee different flavors, aromas and tastes. From light roasting, medium roasting to dark roasting, each stage contains unique charm. Roasters need to carefully control to show the best flavor of coffee while satisfying the taste needs of coffee lovers.

In the world of coffee, roasting is a mysterious and important process. It gives coffee beans a unique charm and makes each cup of coffee have its own unique taste and mouthfeel. Different roasting methods, degrees and styles will produce completely different coffee flavors, and these differences are exactly what baristas pursue and explore. What are the differences between various coffee roasting methods? What effects do different roasting methods have on coffee?

1. Light Medium Roast

Light-medium roasted coffee beans are usually roasted at a lower temperature and for a relatively short time. This roasting method can retain the original flavor and characteristics of the coffee beans, giving the coffee a bright, sour taste. The surface of light-medium roasted coffee beans is light brown with some gloss. When brewed, this type of coffee beans can release rich floral and fruity aromas, giving people a fresh and lively feeling.

2. Medium Roast

Medium roasting is a relatively balanced roasting method. At a moderate temperature, the coffee beans are roasted for a slightly longer time, which not only ensures the original flavor of the coffee beans, but also allows the coffee beans to develop a more complex taste. The surface of medium roasted coffee beans is dark brown with some subtle caramel flavor. Coffee roasted in this way has both acidity and sweetness, and a strong sense of balance, which is suitable for coffee lovers.

3. Dark Baking

Dark roasting is a high-temperature and long-time roasting method. Under this condition, the coffee beans are highly caramelized and appear dark black with a strong caramel flavor and luster on the surface. Dark roasted coffee has a rich and mellow taste, which almost completely covers up the original flavor of the coffee beans. This roasted coffee is suitable for baristas and enthusiasts who like strong flavors and like to feel the unique charm of coffee itself.

4. The impact of different roasting styles

In addition to different roasting degrees, different roasting styles will also have a profound impact on coffee. Nordic-style roasting focuses on the original flavor of coffee beans and tends to use light to medium roasting, giving the coffee a bright and refreshing taste; while Italian-style roasting prefers deep roasting, pursuing a rich taste and caramel flavor. Different roasting styles make each cup of coffee have its own unique regional and cultural characteristics.

Different roasting methods will also affect the extraction efficiency of coffee and the formation of flavor substances. Deeply roasted coffee beans have more oil on the surface, higher extraction efficiency, and can release more sweetness and bitterness; while lightly roasted coffee beans are more suitable for light extraction methods such as hand brewing to highlight their fresh and sour taste.

In the world of coffee, roasting is an endless topic. Each roasting method has its own uniqueness and charm, and how to choose and apply it depends on the experience and skills of the baristas. For coffee lovers, understanding and exploring coffee with different roasting methods is also a different kind of enjoyment and experience. Whether it is the refreshing and acidic light or medium roast, or the rich caramel flavor of the dark roast, it has its unique deliciousness and charm waiting for us to discover and taste.