The roasting process is crucial for transforming green coffee beans into the aromatic, flavorful notes we savor. Understanding the different coffee roast levels is essential for selecting your preferred brew. In this guide, we'll explore the various types of coffee roasts, their characteristics, and how they impact your cup of coffee.
Why Coffee Roasts Matter
Coffee roasting is a highly skilled process that involves heating the green beans until they reach their desired roast level. The method of roasting coffee may seem straightforward in theory, but it can be easily mishandled in practice.
When coffee is roasted, it is subjected to precise internal temperature and heat application, which is carefully monitored. This heat application leads to the browning of coffee beans and the caramelization of sugars. Additionally, it triggers various chemical and physical transformations, which result in a unique and exciting end product that is both familiar and intriguing.
The degree of roasting greatly affects the taste and characteristics of coffee. Lighter roasts tend to have a lighter, more delicate flavor, while darker roasts are bolder and fuller in the body. Knowing the different types of coffee roasts can help you choose the perfect cup to suit your taste preferences.
Main Types of Coffee Roasts
Light Roasts
Light roast coffees are roasted for the shortest amount of time. The beans have a light brown color and a light body, with no oil on the surface. Light roasts preserve the original flavor of the coffee beans, and it is preferred for milder coffee varieties.
- Light City
- Half City
- Cinnamon Roast
Medium Roasts
Medium roasts have a medium brown color and a balance between body and acidity. The beans may start to release some oils, but not as much as a dark roast. This roast level is considered the most popular in the United States, as it allows for a good balance between flavor and strength.
- City Roast
- American
- Breakfast
Medium Dark Roasts
Medium-dark roasts feature a richer flavor profile with a touch of oil on the surface. These roasts offer a robust body with a slight bittersweet aftertaste.
- Full City
Dark Roasts
This roast gives you shiny black beans with an oily surface and a strong bitter coffee taste. The darker the roast, the less acidity you'll find in your coffee. Dark roast coffees range from slightly dark to charred, and the names are often used interchangeably. So, make sure to check your beans before making a purchase!
- High
- Continental
- New Orleans
- European
- Espresso
- Viennese
- Italian
- French
How to Choose the Right Coffee Roast?
To choose the perfect coffee roast, consider your taste. Light and medium roasts are the way to go if you prefer a coffee with nuanced flavors and bright acidity. However, medium-dark and dark roasts are worth exploring if you prefer a more pronounced and full-bodied taste. The key to finding your ideal cup of coffee is to experiment with different roasts until you discover the one that suits you best.
Discover the Difference with Kabsanka
At Kabsanka, we take pride in offering a meticulously curated blend of premium, sustainably sourced beans from diverse regions worldwide. Our collection includes a range of dark roast and medium roast coffees, each carefully crafted to deliver an unforgettable coffee experience.
We invite you to explore our 100-recipe coffee book, where you'll find inspiring ways to elevate your home brewing skills. Subscribe and take 15% OFF on your first order.
