Light roasted coffee beans vs. medium roasted coffee beans: a battle between mellow aroma and rich flavor

Light roasted coffee beans vs. medium roasted coffee beans: a battle between mellow aroma and rich flavor

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and different degrees of roasting can bring completely different flavors and tastes to coffee. In this article, we will explore the duel between light roasted coffee beans and medium roasted coffee beans, and the richness and depth they bring.

1. Lightly roasted coffee beans

A light roast is when the coffee beans are processed until the heat is stopped just after the first crack. This degree of roasting generally retains more of the original flavor and produces a bright, fresh, floral and fruity cup.

First, light roasting allows coffee beans to retain most of their natural acidity. Since they are not exposed to high temperatures, organic acids such as citric acid and malic acid are not completely decomposed. Therefore, when tasting, you can feel the bright acidity, giving you a refreshing feeling.

Secondly, light roasting also retains the sweetness of the coffee beans themselves. This is because during the roasting process, the carbohydrates such as sucrose and fructose inside the coffee beans are not completely decomposed. Therefore, when tasting, you can feel a gentle and rich sweetness.

Finally, light roasting can also bring out floral and fruity aromas. Because coffee beans contain a large number of volatile compounds, various aroma molecules will be released under high temperatures. These floral and fruity aromas make light roasted coffee have a pleasant and attractive taste.

2. Medium roast

A medium roast is when the coffee beans are processed until the heat is removed before the second crack. This level of roast generally produces a deeper, fuller, more balanced cup.

First, the medium roasting makes the coffee beans have a certain degree of bitterness and cocoa taste. Under high temperature, the original flavor gradually transforms into a deeper caramel and cocoa taste. This bitterness and cocoa taste gives people a rich and complex feeling.

Secondly, medium roasting also produces a certain degree of acidity in the coffee beans. Although not as bright as light roasting, you can still feel some soft and balanced acidity. This acidity can enhance the layering of the coffee taste and increase the balance of the overall taste.

Finally, medium roasting also brings a rich and strong aroma. Under high temperature, the volatile compounds inside the coffee beans are further released, forming various aroma molecules. These aromas make medium roasted coffee have an attractive and lasting fragrance.

3. Fragrance and depth: how to choose between the two

Whether it is light roasted or medium roasted, it can bring different degrees of mellowness and depth when tasting. Which one to choose depends on personal preference and preference for different flavor characteristics.

If you like bright, fresh, floral and fruity coffee, light roasting is a good choice. It retains most of the original flavor and allows you to better taste the characteristics of the coffee beans themselves.

If you prefer a darker, fuller, more balanced coffee, a medium roast may be more suitable for you. It will bring a certain degree of bitterness and cocoa flavor, as well as a rich and strong aroma.

No matter which roasting degree you choose, you need to pay attention to controlling the roasting time and temperature. Heating too long or too high will cause the flavor to be unbalanced or produce unpleasant tastes such as bitterness.

in conclusion

The difference between light roasting and medium roasting is a battle between aroma and depth. No matter which degree you choose, it can bring different degrees of pleasant and tempting taste experience. Therefore, when enjoying a cup of delicious coffee, please choose the roasting degree that suits your taste according to your preference for aroma and depth.