Coffee Bean Roasting: How to Choose the Best Roast Level

Importance of choosing the best roast level for espresso

The degree of roasting of coffee beans has a crucial impact on the taste and flavor of coffee. Different degrees of roasting will cause different chemical changes in the coffee beans, resulting in completely different taste characteristics. Therefore, choosing the best roasting level is a very critical task that requires careful consideration.

Light roast

Light roasting means stopping heating the coffee beans just after the first pop. At this level, the coffee beans retain a higher acidity and floral aroma, and have bright, fresh, light and fruity characteristics. Since they are not exposed to high temperatures too much, light roasting can also better show the characteristics of the original origin.

Medium dark (city) roast

Medium-dark or City is what most people prefer and consider to be one of the best taste performances. At this stage, the coffee beans have gone through the first crack and the second crack begins to appear. At this level, the acidity of the coffee beans decreases, and the sweetness and bitterness increase. The flavor of the coffee becomes more balanced while still retaining some of the original origin characteristics.

Medium dark (strong) roast

Medium depth or strong (Full City) level is the degree to which the heating is stopped before the end of the second crack. At this level, oil appears on the surface of the coffee beans, and the acidity almost disappears completely. On the contrary, the bitterness and caramel aroma increase a lot. This level is suitable for people who like a strong, bitter taste.

Dark (French) roast

Deep or French level means that the coffee beans are heated until close to or beyond the end of the second crack. At this stage, the coffee beans become very dark and the surface oils are fully released. Due to the chemical reaction at high temperature, a large amount of carbonization is generated, so the bitterness and caramel aroma of the coffee beans are very strong. This level is suitable for people who like a strong and mellow taste.

Factors in choosing the optimal roasting level

There are several factors to consider when choosing the optimal roasting level:

• Personal taste preference: Different people have different preferences for the taste and flavor of coffee. Some people like light roasts with higher acidity, freshness and brightness, while others prefer the bitterness and richness brought by dark roasts.
• Original origin characteristics: Each origin has its own unique climate, soil, cultivation methods and other factors, which will affect the flavor characteristics of the coffee beans themselves. Choosing the appropriate degree of roasting can better show these original origin characteristics.
• Coffee usage: The ideal state of coffee beans for different types or uses is also an important consideration. For example, beans used to make lattes or espresso usually need to be roasted deeply so that they can maintain their flavor when mixed with milk or other ingredients.

in conclusion

Choosing the best roasting level is a task that requires a comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. Personal taste preferences, the characteristics of the original origin and the purpose of the coffee will all affect the final choice. Only by understanding the flavor characteristics brought by different degrees of roasting and trying and exploring according to your own preferences can you find the coffee that best suits your taste needs.