To bring out the aroma and flavor of coffee, it undergoes a process called roasting. Heat turns the green coffee beans into the aromatic brown beans we commonly see. Several chemical changes happen as these beans are roasted. Coffee beans are brought to an extremely high temperature and then cooled quickly; thus, stopping the process of roasting.
Green coffee beans are soft and do not have an aroma. They are also spongy and weigh more. After the process of roasting, the coffee beans turn brown and become lighter compared to the green ones because moisture is lost in the process. Brown coffee beans possess the aroma that our senses come to recognize as coffee. They are generally crunchy and are now ready to be ground, brewed, and eventually mixed.
There are several types of roasts known to most coffee gourmets. One is the light roast, which is manufactured basically from mild varieties of coffee. Lightly roasted beans have no oil on their surface since they were not able to break through the surface of the beans. Medium roast coffee gives out a non-oily surface of coffee beans. This type of roasted beans is commonly known as the “American Roast.” It is what most Americans prefer in their coffee; hence the name. The medium-dark roasted coffee has some oil on the surface and possesses a bit of bittersweet aftertaste. Lastly, dark roasted coffee is generally bitter, has an oily surface, and for some, has a stronger aroma.
Arguments about the perfect roast of coffee can be quite useless. Taste buds and preferences vary, so the choice can be quite subjective. Some prefer their coffee strong. Others want it moderately strong while still others like it light. Generally, less acid is found in dark roasted coffee. Lighter roasted coffee is more acidic. Dark roast coffee has less traces of caffeine but has a fuller flavor.
In conclusion, the roast is not the sole factor to consider in determining the coffee’s quality or taste. What matters is the balanced combination of the coffee’s acidity, flavor, aroma, and the drinker’s own taste and personal preferences. Indeed, different roasts, different folks.
