Coffee Bean Roasting Degrees: Understanding the Differences Between Light, Medium, and Dark Roasts

The difference between light roast, medium roast and dark roast

The degree of roasting of coffee beans has an important impact on the taste and flavor of coffee. Different degrees of roasting will bring different aromas, acidity and bitterness. In the coffee industry, the common roasting degrees are light roasting, medium roasting and dark roasting. This article will introduce the differences between these three roasting degrees in detail.

Light roast

Light roasting means heating the coffee beans to an internal temperature of 180-205 degrees Celsius, at which point the surface of the beans still maintains a slight color change. Since the heating time is relatively short, light roasting retains more of the original flavor.

During the light roasting process, the coffee beans will emit a floral, sweet and fresh aroma with bright and distinct acidity. In terms of taste, since they have not been processed at high temperatures for a long time, they are light and easy to drink.

Generally speaking, light roasts are suitable for coffee lovers who like fresh fruity flavors and bright acidity. This roast level is often used for single origin coffee to highlight the flavor characteristics of a specific origin.

Medium Roast

Medium roast is a roasting degree between light roast and dark roast. During the medium roasting process, the coffee beans are heated to an internal temperature of 210-220 degrees Celsius, at which time the surface of the beans begins to show obvious color changes.

Compared with light roast, medium roast has a more balanced and rich flavor. In terms of aroma, it retains some of the original sweet aroma of flowers and adds some rich aroma of baked foods such as chocolate and nuts.

In terms of taste, medium roasted coffee usually has a fuller and rounder taste, and the acidity is relatively soft, which makes it a roasting level that most people like and accept.

Therefore, many classic styles, lattes and other blended coffees commonly seen on the market are made with medium-roasted beans.

Dark roast

Dark roasting means heating the coffee beans to an internal temperature of 225-230 degrees Celsius, at which point the surface of the beans appears darker.

During the dark roasting process, coffee beans are subjected to high temperature treatment for a longer period of time, causing the oil inside to begin to come out and come into contact with the air. This leads to a series of chemical reactions that produce special flavors and aromas.

Dark roasted coffee usually has a rich and full taste with a distinct bitterness. The aroma emphasizes the complex flavors of chocolate, roasted wood, etc. formed during the roasting process.

Due to its special flavor and high bitterness, dark roasted coffee is suitable for people who like a strong taste and a balance of bitterness and sweetness. For example, espresso is made from dark roasted beans.

Summarize

Different degrees of roasting give coffee different flavors and tastes. Light roasting retains the original flavor and bright acidity, suitable for people who like fresh fruity flavors; medium roasting has a balanced and rich flavor and a mellow taste, suitable for most people; dark roasting brings a rich taste and a bitter-sweet balance, suitable for people who like strong coffee. Choosing the roasting degree that suits your taste is an important factor to consider when tasting coffee.

Whether it is light roast, medium roast or dark roast, each roast degree has its own special features. By understanding the changes brought about by different roast degrees, we can better choose our favorite coffee style and enjoy the wonderful experience it brings.