Coffee bean roaster: exploring the mystery of the three scales

A coffee bean roaster is one of the most important tools for making delicious coffee. It can adjust the roasting degree of coffee beans by controlling the heat and time, thus affecting the flavor and taste of the final coffee. In the roasting process, there are three main scales that are widely used: light roast, medium roast and dark roast. Let's explore the mysteries behind these three scales.

The first is Light Roast. Light roasting means heating the coffee beans to an internal temperature of about 196°C (385°F) and stopping the heating shortly after the first crack occurs. This slight heating allows the coffee beans to retain their original flavor and acidity, and usually has a bright and fresh taste. Light roasting usually produces a lemony, floral or tea-like flavor, suitable for those who like a light taste and pursue the original flavor.

Next is Medium Roast. Medium heating brings the internal temperature to about 210°C (410°F), and the heating is stopped after the second crack occurs. Medium roasted coffee beans usually have a darker color and a fuller taste while retaining some original flavor. This roasting level produces a rich and balanced taste with slight acidity and sweetness, and may have some chocolate or nutty flavors. Medium roast is suitable for most people because it combines the best characteristics between light roast and dark roast.

Finally, there is Dark Roast. Deep heating causes the internal temperature of the coffee beans to reach about 232°C (450°F) and continues for some time after the second crack occurs. This high temperature causes the surface of the coffee beans to become shiny and produce a strong and bitter taste. Dark roasts usually have spicy, cocoa or oat-like flavors and often have no obvious acidity. It is suitable for people who like strong, bitter tastes and rich and fragrant flavors.

In summary, different degrees of coffee bean roasting will bring different flavors and tastes. Light roasting retains the original flavor and acidity, medium roasting combines the characteristics between light roasting and dark roasting, and dark roasting brings a strong and bitter taste. Choosing the roasting degree that suits your taste is the key to making a perfect cup of coffee.