Coffee roasting: understanding the difference between light, medium and dark roasts

The difference between light roast, medium roast and dark roast

The degree of coffee roasting refers to the time and temperature control of coffee beans during the roasting process. Different roasting degrees will give coffee different tastes and flavors. Light roasting, medium roasting and dark roasting are three common roasting degrees, and there are obvious differences between them.

Light roast

Light roasting means roasting coffee beans gently at a lower temperature, so that the surface is golden to brown. This roasting method retains the original sourness and fragrant fruity aroma of the coffee beans, while reducing the bitterness. Since it is not exposed to high temperatures too much, the coffee beans still retain a certain amount of moisture.

Lightly roasted coffee has a fresh and bright taste, with a high acidity and smooth and delicate texture. Since it has not been processed at high temperatures for a long time, it reflects more of the unique flavor of the origin and environmental factors such as soil and climate. Lightly roasted coffee usually has a higher caffeine content and is suitable for people who like a light taste and acidity.

Medium Roast

Medium roast is a roasting degree between light roast and dark roast. After a period of roasting at a medium temperature, the surface of the coffee beans appears brown to dark brown. Compared with light roast, medium roast will reduce the moisture inside the coffee beans and begin to form some oil.

The taste of medium roasted coffee is more balanced, with a good balance between acidity and bitterness. It retains the unique flavor of the origin and adds some unique and rich flavors. This degree of roasting is suitable for most people's taste preferences and can show the subtle differences brought by different origins, varieties and processing methods.

Dark roast

Deep roasting means roasting coffee beans at high temperature for a long time, making their surface very dark or even shiny. This roasting method will cause a large amount of water inside the coffee beans to evaporate and produce more oil.

Dark roasted coffee has a rich and full flavor, with a distinct bitter taste and low acidity. Due to long-term high-temperature processing, the unique flavor of the origin is masked, replaced by a unique roasted aroma and deep taste. Dark roasted coffee usually has a lower caffeine content and is suitable for people who like a strong taste and bitter taste.

Summarize

Light roast, medium roast and dark roast are three common coffee roasting levels. Light roast retains the original flavor and acidity; medium roast is more prominent in maintaining a balanced taste; and dark roast brings a rich and bitter taste. Which level to choose depends on personal preference and preference for different flavor expressions.

No matter what level, each cup can bring us different experience and enjoyment!