The Secret of Coffee Roasting: Exploring the Four Stages of Coffee Beans

The degree of coffee roasting is a key factor affecting the taste of coffee. Coffee beans go through four stages during the roasting process, including the green bean stage, the yellow stage, the first crack stage, and the over-ripe stage. Each stage has its own unique characteristics and flavors. The roaster needs to observe the changes in color, sound, and smell to master the appropriate degree of roasting in order to present the best coffee taste. Exploring these stages helps to understand the mystery of coffee roasting and improve the quality and taste of coffee.

In the world of coffee, roasting is a magical process that gives coffee beans a unique charm and gives coffee lovers endless imagination. But do you know that the degree of coffee roasting is actually far more than the four commonly mentioned ones? There are eight subtle stages hidden in it, and each stage gives the coffee a different flavor and taste.

1. Green Bean Stage

We must first understand the original state of coffee beans - green beans. Green beans are like an uncarved jade, containing endless potential. At this time, the coffee beans basically do not have much taste, but have a fresh herbal aroma and acidity.

2. Light and medium baking stage

After entering the roasting stage, the first stage is light roasting. During this period, the color of the coffee beans begins to change, showing a light brown color. The moisture inside the coffee beans begins to evaporate gradually, while releasing acid and a small amount of sugar, showing a bright sour taste and a light sweetness. Lightly roasted coffee beans are suitable for making refreshing and delicious ice drip or hand-brewed coffee.

3. Moderate baking stage

As the temperature rises, it enters the moderate roasting stage. At this time, the color of the coffee beans further deepens, showing a dark brown color, and the surface begins to appear oily. At this time, the acidity of the coffee beans begins to decrease, and the bitterness gradually appears. The overall taste is balanced and mellow. Coffee beans of this roasting degree are suitable for making various Italian coffees or French pressed coffees, showing their rich taste and rich flavor.

4. Deep Baking Stage

Deep roasting is a roasting method favored by many coffee lovers. At this stage, the color of the coffee beans becomes very dark, almost black. Most of the acidity inside the coffee beans has been driven out, and the bitterness dominates while releasing more sugar and caramel flavors. Coffee beans with this roasting degree have a rich taste and caramel-like sweetness, which is suitable for making strong coffee drinks such as latte or espresso.

But are you satisfied with stopping here? In fact, there are many subtle changes between these four stages waiting for us to explore.

5. Transition stage between shallow and medium to deep

There are actually several transitional stages between light roasting and dark roasting. The color of the coffee beans in these stages is between the two, and the taste also shows a transitional state. At a certain stage between medium roasting and dark roasting, the sourness of the coffee beans gradually weakens, and the bitterness begins to stand out, accompanied by signs of caramelization, showing a unique sweetness and mellowness. The coffee beans in these transitional stages are also worth trying and exploring.

6-8. Exploration of special baking techniques

In addition to the above four stages, there are some special roasting techniques and methods waiting for us to try. By controlling the precise combination of temperature and time, coffee beans with smoky, caramel or other special flavors can be produced. These special roasting methods often allow coffee beans to show unexpected flavors and tastes, adding more possibilities to the world of coffee.

The coffee roasting process is an exploration process full of mystery and fun. Each roasting stage gives the coffee beans a different flavor and taste, and also brings us endless imagination space. I hope that every coffee lover can explore this process in depth and find his or her own cup of wonderful coffee.