Types of Coffee Roasts
The 4 main types of coffee roasts are light, medium, medium-dark and dark.
- Light roast retains more original flavors of the beans.
- Medium roasts have balanced flavors and aroma.
- Medium-dark roast is rich, full-bodied with low acidity.
- Dark roast has intense flavors and aroma perfect for espresso.
Specific Roast Names
- Light: Cinnamon, New England.
- Medium: Regular, American, Breakfast.
- Medium-dark: High, City.
- Dark: French, Italian, Continental.
Roasting Process Insight
In the roasting process, unroasted coffee beans are heated to 350 to 475 °F. Drum coffee roasters and fluid bed roasters are the 2 commercial types used by professionals.
Most roasters use the final temperature reached to distinguish roast levels.
Color, time, and temperature during roasting determine roast types. Roasting craftsmanship is responsible for full flavor and aroma expression.
Choosing the Perfect Roast
When buying coffee, experiment to find the perfect roast.
- Light roasts are smooth.
- Medium roasts have a full-bodied flavor.
- Dark roasts offer intense notes.
Understanding the differences between roasts can improve home brewing and coffee shopping experiences.