Choosing the right roast
Coffee is an acquired taste and the right roast is really a matter of personal preference. Some like it strong and others mild. The flavours differ based on the roast type. During the roasting process, the heat causes green coffee beans to start losing their moisture. This transforms the beans, both physically and chemically. While the caffeine content is more or less consistent in all roast types, the acidity, origin flavours, bitterness will vary. Darker the roast, lesser the acidity and origin flavours and greater the bitterness. To find the best flavour that is suited for you, check out the characteristics of each roast type below.
Light Roast
Beans of this roast are light brown in colour and the surface is dry and without any oil. It brings out unique and vibrant flavours from coffee and highlights the characteristics of the coffee’s origin. The acidity level is distinct with a light body. This roast is a favourite in the specialty coffee industry due to its varied flavour profile. Light roasts are the choice for pour overs, french presses, cold brews and other brewing methods where the coffee is consumed without milk.
Medium Roast
This roast is medium brown in colour with a stronger flavour and a non-oily surface. The beans have a medium acidity and body, as well as a rounded flavour profile. This roast too preserves many of the origin flavours, but begins to reach into the deep caramel sweetness of a longer roast. As a result, these coffees are balanced, well rounded, and are slightly darker and sweeter. Some of flavour notes of a light roast may be eliminated, but it’s a trade-off for balance. Suitable for south Indian filter coffees, espressos, cappuccinos, frappes and cold brews.
Dark Roast
Dark roast results in dark brown coloured beans which have an oily surface and a pronounced bitterness. The darker roasts have lower acidity and beans roasted to this level tend to not have many of their origin characteristics left. The coffee tastes bitter, smoky and sometimes burnt. Dark roasts are suitable for espressos, cappuccinos, frappes and south Indian filter coffees.
