4 Main Types of Coffee Roasts.
Coffee roasting is the process of heating and transforming green coffee beans into the aromatic, flavorful brown beans that we all know and love, and there are four main types of coffee roasts that produce different tastes and aromas.
Whether used in the early morning as a pick-me-up or with a night meal, coffee is a more beloved hot beverage.
One study shows that 54% of Americans over 18 drink at least one cup daily. Therefore, when choosing the coffee in a store’s coffee aisle, you’re not alone who ever felt overwhelmed.
Knowing the other aspects of good coffee, from choosing the beans to the roasting level, is essential.
There are hundreds of varieties of coffee and almost as many types of roasts!
Though the beans matter, roasting is a heating process that brings out the flavor and aroma of green coffee beans, Which has a soft, grassy taste and turns the beans crunchy and brown.
The flavor of a bean depends on the variety, roasting method, and geographical location of that bean.
The processing time of the roasting impacts many things: flavor, acidity, and body of your tasty beans. To expand your knowledge about coffee, we’ve set this handy guide about the four main types of coffee roasts.
The four types of coffee roasts are
- Light roast
- Medium roast,
- Medium-dark roast
- Dark roast.
Each of these roastings has a different appearance, flavor, and aroma. Keep reading to learn about all four types of roastings!
Table of Contents
Light Roast Beans:
- Color: Light brown
- Oil on the Surface: No
- Flavor profile: Toasted grain with pronounced acidity
- Caffeine Amount per Scoop: High
- Roasting Temperature Of Beans At Peak: Approx. 360° to 400°F
- Other Common Names: New England, Half-City, Cinnamon
- Best Brewing Method: Lightly roasted coffee beans are ideal for cold brews because of their fruity flavors.
You can also brew them for pour-over coffee, but you’ll never get a pleasant aroma.
Medium Roast Beans:
- Color: Brown
- Oil on the Surface: No
- Flavor profile: Balanced flavor, aroma, and acidity
- Caffeine Amount per Scoop: Medium
- Roasting Temperature Of Beans At Peak: Approx. 410° to 428°F
- Other Common Names: City, Regular, American, Breakfast roast
Best Brewing Method: This roast is ideal for both hot and cold brews as it has balanced flavors. Normally, it is suitable for pour-over, Moka pot, and drip methods. French Press or Espresso can also brew with it. But of course, you need to grind the beans accordingly.
Dark Roast Beans:
- Color: Dark Brown
- Oil on the Surface: Some
- Flavor profile: Heavy, full-body flavor with a small taste of spice
- Caffeine Amount per Scoop: Low
- Roasting Temperature Of Beans At Peak: Approx. 435° to 445°F
- Other Common Names: Viennese, Continental, Full City, Light French, Light Espresso
Best Brewing Method: This roast is best for French Press and Espresso. These methods give you an intense cup of coffee, requiring a rich roast like medium-dark. This roast is not suitable for cold or iced coffee,
Extra Dark Roast Beans:
- Color: Black
- Oil on the Surface: Yes
- Flavor profile: Bitter, smoky, or burnt taste
- Caffeine Amount per Scoop: Very low
- Roasting Temperature Of Beans At Peak: Approx. 465° to 480°F
- Other Common Names: French, Espresso, Turkish, Italian, Dark French, Heavy
Best Brewing Method: Dark roast is ideal for brewing hot coffee, whether French Press, Pour-over, or Espresso. Just make sure to use the right grind size. Brewing from French Press uses overly coarse grounds, and Espresso and Drip coffee brewing use medium-fine grounds. If you use extra fine dark roasted grounds and brew them longer, your drink becomes extremely bitter.
Tips for choosing the right roast for your taste buds
Selecting the ideal coffee roast to suit your palate can be a delightful journey of discovery. To assist you in making a well-informed choice, here are some key considerations to bear in mind. For a deeper dive into the world of coffee, including an exploration of various coffee bean types, take a look at our comprehensive guide, “4 Types of Coffee Beans: With Pictures, Profiles & More”.
Start with your taste preferences
Different coffee roasts have distinct taste profiles, ranging from bright and fruity to rich and smoky. Consider the flavors and aromas that you enjoy in coffee, and use this as a starting point for selecting a roast.
Consider the brewing method
The type of roast you choose can also be influenced by the brewing method you plan to use. For example, a light roast may work best for pour-over or drip coffee, while a dark roast may be better suited for espresso or French press.
Know your caffeine tolerance
Contrary to popular belief, darker roasted coffee beans typically have less caffeine. For those in pursuit of a more substantial caffeine boost, opting for a light roast could be your ideal choice. Discover more about the caffeine content in various types of coffee beans by exploring our detailed guide, “How Much Caffeine is in a Coffee Bean?”.
Experiment with different roasts
Don’t be afraid to try different roasts and brewing methods to find your perfect cup of coffee. Keep notes on what you like and don’t like about each roast, and use this information to refine your preferences over time. For an insightful comparison, you might find our article, “Espresso Roast vs Filter Roast: What’s the Difference?”, particularly helpful in understanding the distinct qualities of these roasts.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a coffee roast. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal taste and preference. If you’re interested in experimenting further, consider exploring the art of roasting your beans with our guide, “How to Roast Your Coffee Beans at Home: 4 Different Methods”. By considering these tips and trying out different roasts, you’ll be well on your way to finding your perfect cup of coffee.
FAQs
What is French roast?
French roast is a very dark roast that is roasted for a longer period of time than dark roast. It has a rich, smoky flavor and is often used for espresso.
What brewing methods work best for each type of roast?
Light roast is often best for pour-over or drip coffee, medium roast works well for most brewing methods, dark roast is often used for espresso or French press, and French roast is typically used for espresso.
Does the roast affect the caffeine content of the coffee?
Yes, the darker the roast, the less caffeine the coffee generally contains. This is because caffeine is destroyed during the roasting process.