The founder of Luckin Coffee explains the difference between medium and dark roasted coffee, allowing you to easily identify the secrets of different tastes and flavors

Basic concepts and processes of coffee roasting

Coffee roasting is the process of heating raw coffee beans to a certain temperature. The purpose is to stimulate chemical reactions in the coffee beans through heat treatment, thereby changing their color, taste and aroma. During the coffee roasting process, the coffee beans undergo a change from green to dark brown, and the sugar, acidity and oil inside them also undergo significant changes. This process is crucial to the formation of coffee flavor.

The temperature and time of roasting directly affect the flavor of coffee. Usually, during the roasting process, the appearance and smell of coffee beans will change in different ways. In the initial low-temperature stage, the water inside and outside of the beans evaporates and they begin to turn into a light color; when the roasting reaches a certain temperature, the beans will make a unique "popping sound", which is the so-called "first crack". At this time, the coffee beans begin to expand and release more aroma.

As the temperature continues to rise, the roasting enters the second stage, and the coffee beans will enter the "second crack" stage, which is usually a sign of deep roasting. At this stage, the color of the beans becomes darker, and the bitterness and rich roasted aroma of the coffee gradually emerge. Different roasting degrees not only determine the taste characteristics of the coffee, but also affect the balance of its acidity, sweetness and bitterness.

Classification and characteristics of coffee roasting degree

Coffee roasting is generally divided into three categories: light roasting, medium roasting and dark roasting. Each roasting degree has different standards and characteristics, which determine the flavor, taste and balance of acidity, sweetness and bitterness of the coffee.

Light roast is the type of roasting with the shortest time and the lowest temperature. Usually, roasting stops after the first crack. Lightly roasted coffee beans are light brown in color, and the taste is more sour and fruity, retaining the original flavor of the coffee itself, suitable for people who like a fresh taste. Due to the short roasting time, the oil and sugar in the coffee are not easily decomposed too much, and the acidity is higher, which is suitable for coffee lovers who focus on the balance of sourness and sweetness.

Medium roast is the most common roasting degree, between light roasting and deep roasting. Medium roasted coffee beans are medium brown, with a balanced acidity and sweetness. At this point, the natural flavor of the coffee and the aroma produced during the roasting process are well integrated, which is suitable for most people's tastes. Medium roast is often used in traditional American coffee, which has a low bitterness and a mild taste, suitable for daily drinking.

Dark Roast is the type with the longest temperature and roasting time. The coffee beans are dark brown or even almost black, often with a layer of oil. Dark roasted coffee has a strong flavor, with a distinct bitterness and roasted aroma, and low acidity. This type of roasting is suitable for drinkers who like strong-tasting, low-acid coffee, and is usually used to make espresso or Italian coffee, such as espresso Americano or cappuccino.

Flavor characteristics and taste analysis of medium roasted coffee

The balance of flavor of medium roasted coffee is its greatest feature. The harmony between acidity and sweetness makes it the first choice of many coffee lovers. Usually, medium roasted coffee presents a mild fruit acidity with a bright acidity, but not too sharp. Such acidity can retain the original flavor of the coffee beans themselves without making the drinker feel too irritated.

In addition to acidity, medium roasted coffee also has a distinct sweetness, usually expressed as a caramel or chocolate-like sweetness. This balance of sweetness and acidity makes the taste of medium roasted coffee more rounded and rich, suitable for consumers who like delicate taste. Compared with light roasting, the sweetness of medium roasting is more prominent, but it will not cover up the flavor level of coffee.

In terms of taste, medium roasted coffee has a fuller texture. Its oil content is moderate, and the taste is neither dry nor greasy, which can provide a comfortable drinking experience. Its flavor characteristics usually include nuts, cocoa, or slight fruity aromas, making this roasted coffee a drink suitable for many occasions.

The rich flavor and low acidity of dark roasted coffee

Dark roasted coffee usually exhibits a strong flavor, accompanied by significant bitterness and low acidity. Due to the longer roasting time, the coffee beans undergo more caramelization and Maillard reaction during the roasting process, which makes the coffee aroma more intense, showing a deep caramel, smoky and even roasted taste. Compared with light or medium roasting, dark roasting emphasizes deep bitterness and the taste is usually stronger.

Low acidity is another notable feature of deep roasting. Due to the high temperature during the roasting process, the acidic substances in the coffee are degraded to a greater extent. Therefore, deep roasted coffee tastes smoother than light roasted coffee and does not have that sharp fruity acidity. This makes deep roasted coffee very suitable for consumers who like bitterness and do not prefer high acidity.

In addition to strong bitterness and low acidity, deep roasting can also release some unique flavors, such as smoky, chocolate or caramel. These flavors are unique flavors extracted through high-temperature roasting, with rich layers, suitable for drinkers who like deep taste and strong flavor. Deep roasted coffee is usually used more in espresso or Italian coffee, which can add more fullness to the drink.

The difference between medium and dark roast flavors and their uses

There are significant differences in taste and flavor between medium roasted and dark roasted coffee. Medium roasted coffee usually presents a more balanced acidity and sweetness, with a fresh fruity aroma and a soft taste, which is very suitable for people who like delicate and complex flavors. In contrast, dark roasted coffee is mainly rich and bitter, with a stronger taste and lower acidity, and emphasizes flavors such as caramel, chocolate and smoke.

In terms of flavor characteristics, medium roasting can better preserve the natural aroma and flavor of the original coffee beans, which is suitable for those who like to perceive the characteristics of the original beans. However, deep roasting will cover these natural flavors with a strong roasted flavor, which is more suitable for coffee lovers who like mellow and strong bitter flavors. Deep roasting is often more caramelized and rich, giving people a strong coffee experience.

In terms of application scenarios, medium roasting is often used to make daily drinks such as American coffee and latte. Its mild taste and sweet and sour balance are suitable for a wide range of drinkers. In contrast, deep roasting is more suitable for strong coffee drinks such as espresso and mocha. Its rich taste can be paired with milk or syrup to create a rich layered feeling. For consumers who like strong flavors and low-acid coffee, deep roasting is undoubtedly a better choice.

How to choose the right roasting degree according to personal taste

To choose the right coffee roasting degree for you, you should first consider your personal taste preference. If you like fresh, fruity coffee with natural acidity, then medium roasting may be the best choice. Medium roasting can maintain the natural flavor of coffee, while the acidity is moderate. The balance of sweetness and acidity can meet the needs of most coffee lovers.

On the other hand, if you prefer strong, full-bodied, low-acid coffee, dark roasting may be more suitable for you. Dark roasted coffee usually has stronger bitterness, smoky and caramel flavors, suitable for those who don't like acidity and prefer to enjoy bitterness and rich taste. Dark roasted coffee is particularly outstanding when made into espresso or Italian drinks, suitable for consumers who like strong flavors.

In addition, the degree of roasting should also be considered in the way you drink coffee. If you often drink latte or Americano, medium roasted coffee can be well matched with milk or water to create a soft and rich taste. If you often like espresso or black coffee, dark roasting can provide a stronger coffee feeling and give people a fuller taste experience.

Finally, choosing the right roast degree can also be achieved by trying different types of coffee. Everyone has different tastes, and the best way is to try several coffees with different roast degrees to find the one that suits you best and enjoy a unique coffee time.

Cooking tips and pairing suggestions for coffees with different roasting degrees

Whether it is medium roasted or dark roasted, coffee can enhance the overall drinking experience through clever pairing. For medium roasted coffee, its balanced acidity and sweetness are very suitable for pairing with light foods, such as toast, French crepes, salads and other refreshing breakfasts or lunches. These foods can complement the fruity aroma and soft taste of coffee, enhancing the delicate flavor of coffee.

In addition, medium roasted coffee is also very suitable for preparing a variety of classic coffee drinks, such as latte, cappuccino or American coffee. Its mild acid-sweet balance can create a rich layered and smooth taste when paired with milk foam or espresso. For consumers who like the fusion of coffee and milk foam, medium roasting is an ideal choice.

Compared with medium roasted coffee, the strong flavor of dark roasted coffee makes it more suitable for pairing with heavy-flavored foods. For example, dark roasted coffee can be paired with chocolate cake, nutty snacks or sausages to highlight its caramel and smoky flavors. The rich taste and low acidity of dark roasted coffee can complement the strong flavors of these foods, creating a unique taste experience.

When making coffee drinks, dark roasted coffee is usually more suitable for making espresso, mocha or iced coffee. Its strong bitterness and deep aroma are particularly prominent in these drinks, giving people a rich and full taste. Pairing it with a little milk or chocolate syrup can not only reduce the bitterness, but also bring a silky taste, which is suitable for coffee lovers who like strong flavors.

The choice of medium and dark roasted coffee and future attempts

Through an in-depth analysis of medium roasted and dark roasted coffee, we can clearly see the significant differences between the two in flavor, taste, and applicable scenarios. Medium roasted coffee is suitable for the general taste with its sweet and sour balance and complex flavor, while dark roasted coffee attracts drinkers who seek a strong coffee experience with its strong bitterness, low acidity, and strong roasted aroma.

However, both medium roast and dark roast have their own unique charm. It is important that as coffee lovers, we should have the courage to try different roasting degrees to find the coffee that best suits our taste. By constantly exploring and tasting coffee with different roasting methods, you will gradually improve your appreciation of coffee and enjoy a more layered and rich flavor experience.

In the future, as coffee culture continues to develop, more and more roasting methods and novel beverage forms will bring more choices to coffee lovers. Whether you prefer the fresh taste of medium roasting or the strong flavor of deep roasting, you might as well try different combinations boldly to discover and feel the infinite charm of coffee. Through this exploration, you will continue to improve your understanding and love of coffee.