Light Roast Arabica Coffee Beans
Light roast arabica coffee beans are the (relatively) new kid on the block. Making delicious light roasts is a delicate balancing act of roasting artisanally and multi-origin blend.
The process of roasting produces new sugars, while also removing some of the natural sugars in the coffee bean. This is the reason why light roasts are often sweeter than dark roasts.
Light Roast
A light roast is a kind of coffee that has been lightly roasted in order to preserve the natural flavors of the beans. Like the name implies, these types of coffees tend to be lighter in body than dark roasts and are able to be enjoyed with a variety of methods of brewing like drip, french press, pour over and espresso. Light roasts typically have more vibrant and fruity flavors and can emphasize the characteristics of a coffee’s source more than darker roasted styles.
This is particularly applicable to single estate or micro-lot coffees. Additionally this level of roast can help bring out subtle flavors that are often missing in dark roasts. Whatever you prefer each roast level produces unique and delicious coffees.
Light roasts are also known for their crisp acidity and soft body. This is why these coffees can provide energy and a fresh ground arabica coffee beans boost without the heavy feeling that can be associated with dark roasts. This is why they’re a great choice for those who want to start your day with a little extra energy and a fresh taste.
There is some truth to the belief that a lighter roast contains more caffeine than a darker roast. However this can be false, as it is based on how you measure your coffee. If you weigh your coffee, a scoop that contains lighter roasts will have more caffeine than a scoop containing a darker roast (because of its larger mass). If you measure by volume, both will contain roughly the same amount.
The process of roasting is the most important factor in a great light roast. This is why it’s crucial to choose an established roaster because poorly executed light roasts may have a strong burnt, or bitter taste that can overwhelm the other desirable qualities of the coffee. This is why we prefer to work with small, family-owned roasters who are committed to quality.
Extra Mile Kenyan is an excellent example of a light roast that has been well-crafted. It has a silky mouthfeel and sweet notes of baker’s chocolate and stonefruit. It is also sourced from an ethical and sustainable farm that is committed to regenerative agriculture practices.
Medium Roast
Often described as often referred to as Goldilocks roast medium roast is often referred to as the “just right” coffee between light and dark roast. Medium roasts have the same diner-style flavor as dark roasts, but have more nuance and balance. They can be found in a variety of aromas and flavors.
Medium roast arabica coffee beans are heated for a shorter amount 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). Beans that are cooked to this level will have a light brown color and will not have any oil on their surface.
Coffee roasted to this level preserves many of the original coffee bean’s unique taste and aroma notes. This includes floral and fruity aromas and flavors that are indigenous to the region of origin. Lightly roast beans also have a brighter acidity and a mellow body.
Depending on the beans you use, medium roasts may have flavors like chocolate, caramel and subtle hints of spice. However, it’s important to note that these flavors are less prominent when compared to a light roast due to the fact that the beans have been roast for longer.
Aside from the boldness and richness of coffee that is dark roasted, medium-dark flavored coffee can have a heavy bittersweet taste which can be unpleasant for certain palates. Dark roast coffee has a rich oily appearance and flavorful with bittersweet chocolate, smoke, and dark carmel.
If you want a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, that is lighter than dark, but not as delicate as light roast medium roast, then our medium-roasted arabica coffee beans subscription is the right choice. Our Happy Place blend is created using premium single origin arabica coffee beans-origin beans from farms at high elevations that are Rainforest Alliance Certified and practice completely regenerative farming. It is a blend that has the flavors of blackberry, cocoa, and guava with a silky finish.
Whatever the roasting level, all kinds of coffee contain similar amounts of caffeine. This is due to the caffeine content of beans is dependent on their natural levels and the amount of oxygen that beans absorb when they are roasted.
Dark Roast
Dark roast coffee is a type that has been roasted longer than light roast beans. This gives a more complex flavor profile to be developed. This creates a cup with an intense, strong flavor and less acidity when compared to a light-roasted coffee. This type of coffee is ideal for those who prefer a strong cup of coffee to begin their day.
Dark roasted coffee is distinguished by its distinctive brown color and an oily surface, giving its distinctive rich and classic diner style taste. This coffee is characterized by its roasting process. It is important to choose a top-quality coffee that has been properly and roasted to ensure the best taste.
It is important to roast a dark-roasted coffee until the beans start cracking. This is the first sign that the beans are properly roasted and that they are ready to be taken into the cup. Dark roasted coffee needs to have a balanced taste and mouthfeel.
The most important thing to do when searching for the best dark roasted coffee is the highest quality beans that have been roasted to the right temperature. This will let you enjoy the exotic and unique characteristics of the beans without being overpowered by an over-roasted taste.
To determine the best dark-roasted coffee, it is important to consider the source of the beans and the region where they were cultivated. For instance, certain regions have a certain sweetness that is best suited for dark roasting, while other regions offer a rich and complex flavor that can stand up to the intensity of a dark-roasted bean.
It is important to remember that the darker the roast the more caffeine you’ll get in your coffee. This is because the roasted beans are exposed to a greater amount of heat that will cause more caffeine to be released. In addition, the darker the roast, the more pronounced the bitterness will be.
Washed Coffee
Washed coffee beans are the result of a process known as “wet processing”. After removing the cherries, they are then de-pulped in tanks and then fermented to melt the sticky mucilage which covers them. The process is followed by a wash to eliminate the remaining pectin, then drying. This is a popular method for specialty roasters, and a great choice for anyone seeking clean, crisp acidic flavors with moderate amounts of body and sweetness.
Based on the length of fermentation and the amount of mucilage is left on seeds, various flavors are created. These may have fruity, floral, earthy or some nutty notes. This is what allows washed coffees to convey a variety of terroir and distinctive varietal characteristics. Natural processed coffees can develop unique flavors because of the fruity pulp surrounding the bean.
After the mucilage has been removed after which the beans can be dried by the beans in large tanks of hot water (as as with the washed method) or spreading them out on raised beds, patios or terraces and rotating them frequently. The process continues until the seeds have an moisture content of between 10-12 percent.
Roasting is the final stage. As the roasting process occurs, the temperature within the bean will rise and crackling sounds can be heard. This is when vapors begin to penetrate the outer shell of the bean. This is known as the first crack.
After this is done, the roasted beans can be consumed. Light roasts are fresh and fruity, as they haven’t been roasted for long enough to develop the oils. Medium roasts are more bready and have a deeper, deeper taste, as they’ve been cooked for a longer period of time. Roasts that are darker may be smoky or have a chocolaty flavor, based on the level of roasting.
This makes for a variety of aromas and flavors. It is up to you to decide which coffee best suits your preferences! We suggest you try a variety of our single-origin light medium and dark roasts to see what the unique flavors of each can provide you.
