The Reason Why Light Roast Arabica Coffee Beans Is More Dangerous Than You Thought
Light Roast Arabica Coffee Beans
Light roast arabica beans are (relatively speaking) the newest kid in town. Light roasts are an artisanal blend of roasting, multi-origin blends, and blending.
The roasting process produces new sugars and removes some of the natural sugars found in the coffee bean. This is why light roasts are more sweet than dark roasts.
Light Roast
A light roast is a type of coffee that has been lightly roasted in order to preserve the natural flavor of the beans. As the name suggests, these types of coffees tend to be lighter in body than dark roasts and can be enjoyed with a variety of methods of brewing, including drip, french press, pour over and espresso. Light roasts typically have more vibrant and fruity flavors and may highlight the qualities of the coffee's origin more than darker roasted styles.
This is especially relevant when working with micro lot or single-estate coffees. This roast level can also assist in bringing out the delicate and subtle flavors that are often lost when dark roasting. No matter what you prefer, all roast levels produce unique and delicious coffees.
Light roasts also have a refreshing acidity and a smooth flavor. They can provide you with a boost of energy, without the heavy sensation that is often associated with dark roasts. This is why they're the perfect option for those looking to start your day with a little more energy and a refreshing taste.
In the case of caffeine, there is a bit of truth to the common belief that a light roast is more caffeine than a darker roast. This is somewhat confusing because it's based on how you measure your coffee. If you weigh your coffee then a scoop of light roast will contain more caffeine than the scoop of a dark roast (because it is heavier). If you measure by volume, both will have approximately the same amount.
The key to a successful light roast is in the roasting process. It is essential to select the roaster you can trust. Light roasts that are poorly executed may have a bitter or burnt flavor, which could overpower other qualities that are desirable in the coffee. This is the reason we love working with small and family-owned roasters that value the highest quality.
Extra Mile Kenyan is an excellent example of a light roast that has been expertly crafted. It offers sweet flavors of stonefruit and baker's chocolat with a silky mouthfeel. In addition, it is sourced from a sustainable and ethical farm that is committed to regenerative agriculture practices.
Medium Roast
Sometimes referred to as often referred to as Goldilocks roast medium roast is often referred to as the "just right" coffee that is a blend of light and dark roast. With the familiar, traditional diner-style flavor notes of dark roast, but with extra balance and subtlety, medium roasts offer an array of intriguing aromas and flavors.
Medium roast arabica coffee beans are heated for a shorter period of time and at less temperature than dark roasts. The beans are heated to around 385 degrees, and they begin to pop. (This is known as the first crack). The beans will appear light brown and have no oil on their surface.
Coffee roasted to this level retains a lot of the original coffee bean's distinctive aroma and flavor notes. This includes floral and fruity aromas and flavors that are indigenous to the region of origin. Lightly roasted coffee beans have an acidity that is more vibrant, and more mellow body.
A medium roast can include flavors like chocolate, caramel and hints of spice, depending on the beans that are used. However, it's important to remember that these flavors are less prominent when compared to a light roast since the beans have been roasted for longer.
Medium-dark flavors can be a bit bittersweet and heavy and can be difficult for some taste buds. Dark roast coffee has a rich oily appearance and flavorful with bittersweet chocolate, smoke and dark carmel.
If you're looking for a smooth and balanced cup of coffee that's less than dark, but not as delicate as light roast, our medium roast arabica coffee is the perfect choice. Our Happy Place blend is made by sourcing single-origin coffees from high-altitude farms that are Rainforest Alliance certified and practice fully regenerative farming. It has flavors of blackberry, guava, and cocoa with a soft end.
All varieties of coffee have the same amount of caffeine, regardless of roasting levels. This is due to the caffeine content of beans is determined by their natural levels as well as the amount of oxygen that the beans absorb as they are roast.
Dark Roast
A dark roast is a kind of coffee that has been roasted for longer than light roasted beans. This lets the coffee develop a more complex flavor profile. This results in a coffee that has a rich, bold taste and less acidity than a lighter roasted bean. This type of coffee is perfect for those who want an intense cup of coffee to begin their day.
Dark roasted coffee is distinguished by its brown color and oily top, that give it a smoky and classic diner-style flavor. This coffee is characterized by the roasting process. It is important to select a high-quality bean that has been properly and roasted to ensure the best taste.
If a coffee has been dark roasted, it needs to be roast until the beans begin to crack. This indicates that the coffee beans have been properly roasted and ready to be prepared to be brewed. Dark roasted coffee should also have a smooth mouthfeel, and a balance of bitter and sweet flavors.
The trick to finding the best dark roasted coffee is finding high-quality beans that have been roast at the perfect temperature. This will allow the exotic and unique qualities of the beans without being overwhelmed by an over-roasted taste.
To find the most delicious dark-roasted coffee, you need to consider the source of the beans and the region where they were cultivated. For example, some regions have a distinct sweetness that is better suited for dark roasting Some regions provide a rich and complex flavor that can withstand the intensity of a dark roasted bean.
Also, keep in mind that the darker the roast the more caffeine you'll get in your coffee. This is because the beans that are roasted are exposed to a greater amount of heat which results in more caffeine to be released. The darker the roast, the stronger the bitterness.
Washed Coffee
Washed coffee beans are the product of a process known as "wet processing". After picking premium arabica coffee beans , they are pulverized in tanks before being fermented to break down any sticky mucilage that is encases them. Then, the beans are dried and washed to get rid of any remaining pectin. This method is extremely popular among specialty roasters. It's a great choice for those who want an uncluttered and crisp taste profile with medium sweetness and body.
Different flavor compounds are produced according to the duration of the fermentation as well as the amount of mucilage that is left on the seeds. These may have floral, earthy, fruity or some nutty notes. This is what allows washed coffees to show a wide range of characteristics of terroir as well as varietal typicity. Natural processed coffees can create unique flavors due to the fruity pulp surrounding the bean.
After the mucilage is removed, the beans are dried by soaking in large tanks of water (as in the washed method) or laid out on raised beds or patios in the sun, and then turned regularly. This is done until the seeds reach a moisture content of between 10-12 percent.
Roasting is the final stage. As the roasting process occurs, the temperature within the bean will increase and cracking sounds are heard. This is when vapors begin to break the outer shell of the bean. This is known as the first crack.
Once this occurs, the roasted beans are ready for consumption. Light roasts taste fresh and fruity, as they haven't been cooked enough time to create the oils. Medium roasts are more bready and have an intense and richer flavor because they have been roasted longer. Roasts that are darker are often very sweet or even smoky depending on how dark they've been roasted.
This makes for a variety of flavors and aromas. It is up to you to decide which coffee best suits your preferences! Try a variety single-origin roasts like medium, light and darker roasts. Each has its own unique flavor.