Types of Coffee Roasts

The Coffee Roasting Process

Coffee beans are initially harvested and stored in their green state, which preserves their quality and taste over time. Green coffee beans are soft, spongy, and have a grassy aroma. The transformation from green to roasted beans involves a series of chemical changes induced by high temperatures. Once the beans reach their optimal roast, they are rapidly cooled to halt the roasting process.

Roasted coffee beans are lighter in weight due to moisture loss, crunchy, and exude the rich aroma and flavor we associate with coffee. It's crucial to use roasted beans promptly, as their fresh flavor diminishes over time.

The Art and Science of Roasting

Roasting coffee is both a technical skill and an art form. It requires extensive training to master the ability to read the beans and make precise decisions in real-time. While some enthusiasts attempt home roasting, achieving consistent results is challenging without professional equipment and expertise.

Categories of Coffee Roasts

Despite the lack of industry-wide standards, coffee roasts are generally categorized into four main types. Each roast offers a unique combination of strength, flavor, and aroma, allowing coffee lovers to find their perfect match.

Light Roasts

Light roasts produce a mild cup of coffee, as the beans are not roasted long enough to develop surface oils, which contribute to stronger flavors. Common light roasts include:

• Light City
• New England
• Cinnamon

Medium Roasts

Medium roasts are darker and have a stronger flavor than light roasts, with a non-oily surface. This roast is often referred to as the American roast due to its popularity in the United States. Popular medium roasts include:

• City
• American
• Breakfast

Medium-Dark Roasts

Medium-dark roasts offer a pronounced flavor and aroma with a bittersweet aftertaste. These beans have some oil on the surface and are stronger than both light and medium roasts.

Dark Roasts

Dark roasts yield beans that are shiny, black, and oily, producing a cup of coffee with a pronounced bitterness. These roasts are the strongest, offering a full flavor. Popular dark roasts include:

• French
• Continental
• Espresso
• European

Interesting Coffee Statistics

• Global Coffee Consumption: According to the International Coffee Organization, global coffee consumption reached approximately 166.63 million 60-kilogram bags in 2020/2021. Source
• Home Roasting Trends: A survey by the National Coffee Association found that 14% of coffee drinkers in the U.S. have tried roasting their own coffee at home. Source
• Coffee's Economic Impact: The coffee industry contributes over $225 billion to the U.S. economy, supporting over 1.6 million jobs. Source

Conclusion

The perfect coffee roast is a matter of personal preference. By exploring different roasts, you can discover the unique strengths, flavors, and aromas that suit your taste. Whether you prefer the mildness of a light roast or the boldness of a dark roast, understanding the roasting process enhances your appreciation of this beloved beverage.

For more detailed information on coffee roasting and its impact, you can visit the Specialty Coffee Association and the International Coffee Organization.