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Roasting levels. What are the differences?
Coffee roasting transforms green coffee beans into the rich and aromatic beans we're familiar with. The depth of roasting dramatically shapes the flavour, aroma, and body of the coffee. Here's a quick guide to help you understand the various roast levels:
- Light Roast:
- Appearance: Light brown with no surface oil.
- Taste: Bright, pronounced acidity with a light body. It can have a toasted grain or cereal taste.
- Ideal For: Coffee drinkers who enjoy a vibrant, acidic cup, highlighting the coffee's intrinsic flavours.
- Caffeine Level: Highest among the roasts.
- Medium Roast:
- Appearance: Medium brown. The bean surface remains dry.
- Taste: A more balanced profile with a perfect acidity, body, and flavour mix. The true character of the bean shines.
- Ideal For: Those who want a balanced cup, great for highlighting the nuances in single-origin beans.
- Caffeine Level: Slightly less than light roast.
- Medium-Dark Roast:
- Appearance: Rich, darker brown with some oil beginning to show on the bean's surface.
- Taste: A hint of roast flavour, reduced acidity, with a bolder body.
- Ideal For: Coffee enthusiasts looking for depth and slight roast-driven flavours without sacrificing the bean's intrinsic characteristics.
- Caffeine Level: Medium.
- Espresso Roast:
- Appearance: The beans are typically dark brown and may have a shiny surface due to the oils being brought to the surface.
- Taste: Espresso roast aims to achieve a balance. You'll find a pronounced sweetness, low to medium acidity, and a fuller body. The roast character is present but doesn't overshadow the coffee's intrinsic flavours.
- Ideal For: Obviously, espresso! This roast level is tailored for the espresso method, but it's also versatile. Espresso roasted beans can still be delightful when brewed using other methods, like Aeropress or Moka pot.
- Caffeine Level: Generally, in the medium range, but varies based on the exact degree of roasting and the coffee bean type.
