Coffee Bean Roasting: The Difference Between Medium and Dark

The difference between medium roast and dark roast

The degree of roasting of coffee beans has an important impact on the flavor and taste of coffee. In the coffee industry, common roasting degrees are divided into three main levels: light, medium and dark. This article will focus on the difference between medium roasting and dark roasting.

1. Baking time

Medium roasting usually takes a long time to complete, generally around 12-14 minutes. This ensures that the beans fully develop complex and rich flavor characteristics. In contrast, dark roasting takes longer, usually more than 15 minutes or even longer.

2. Appearance color

By observing the color of the coffee beans, you can initially judge the degree of roasting. Medium roasted coffee beans will appear light brown or chocolate, and may still retain some oil gloss on the surface. Dark roasted coffee beans will become very dark, and the oil gloss on the surface will be more obvious.

3. Acidity and bitterness

Medium roasted coffee beans usually have higher acidity and lower bitterness. This is because during the medium roasting process, a certain amount of moisture and acidic substances are retained inside the coffee beans. After dark roasting, the moisture inside the coffee beans is almost completely evaporated, and more bitter substances are produced.

4. Flavor characteristics

Medium roasted coffees usually have rich and complex flavors. They may have citrus, floral, or chocolate notes. In contrast, dark roasted coffees are richer, fuller, and may have notes of caramel or cocoa.

5. Caffeine Content

Because the temperature and time of deep roasting are higher, most of the caffeine will be oxidized and decomposed. Therefore, the coffee beans obtained after deep roasting usually contain less caffeine. In contrast, medium roasted coffee beans retain more caffeine.

6. Suitable drinking method

Medium roasted and dark roasted coffee are suitable for different drinking methods. Medium roasted coffee beans are usually suitable for making filter or hand-poured coffee to show its rich and complex flavor characteristics. Dark roasted coffee is more suitable for making espresso or espresso to highlight its rich and full taste.

in conclusion

In general, there are obvious differences between medium roasting and dark roasting in terms of time, appearance color, acidity and bitterness, flavor characteristics, caffeine content and suitable drinking methods. The choice of roasting degree depends on personal taste preference and the flavor characteristics to be displayed.