Light Roast versatile arabica coffee beans Coffee Beans
Light roast exclusive arabica coffee beans coffee (click here for more) beans are the (relatively) new kid on the block. Light roasts are an artful balance between artisan roasting, multi-origin blends, and mixing.
The roasting process also removes some of the natural sugar in the coffee bean, it also creates new sugars. This is the reason why light roasts can be sweeter than dark roasts.
Light Roast
A light roast is a coffee that has been lightly roasted to retain the natural flavors of the beans. As their name implies are lighter in weight and can be enjoyed using a variety brew methods, such as espresso, drip french presses, pour overs. Light roasts are generally characterized by fruitier and brighter flavor notes and can emphasize the characteristics of the coffee’s origin more than darker roasted styles.
This is especially applicable to microlots or single estate coffees. This roasting level can aid in bringing out the delicate and subtle flavors that are often lost when dark roasting. No matter what you prefer, all roast levels produce distinctive and delicious coffees.
Light roasts also have a sharp acidity and a soft flavor. They are a result of this, the coffees can provide energy and a fresh boost without the heaviness that can be associated with dark roasts. This is why they’re an excellent option for those looking to start your day with a little more energy and a refreshing taste.
In terms of caffeine, there’s a little truth to the popular belief that a light roast contains more caffeine than a dark roast. However this could be false, as it is based on the method you use to measure your coffee. If you weigh your coffee, a scoop containing a lighter roast will contain more caffeine than one with darker roast (because of its greater mass). But if you’re measuring by volume, both will have roughly the same amount of caffeine.
The roasting process is the key to the perfect light roast. This is why it’s crucial to choose an established roaster since poorly executed light roasts can have a strong burnt, or bitter taste that can overwhelm the other good qualities of the coffee. We love to work with small, family-run roasters that are committed to high-quality coffee.
Our Extra Mile Kenyan is a perfect example of a carefully crafted light roast. It has a soft mouthfeel and sweet notes of baker’s chocolate and stonefruit. It is also sourced from a sustainable, ethical farm that is committed to Regenerative farming.
Medium Roast
Often described as the Goldilocks roast medium roast is the “just right” coffee that falls between light and dark roast. Medium roasts have the same diner-style flavor as dark roasts, but they have more nuance and balance. They come with a range of aromas and flavors.
The medium roast arabica beans are roasted at lower temperatures and for a shorter amount of time than darker roasts. The beans reach 385 degrees and begin to pop (this is known as the first crack). Beans that are cooked to this temperature will have a light brown hue and won’t have any oil on their surfaces.
Coffee roasted to this level preserves many of the original coffee beans’ 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 a brighter acidity, and an effervescent body.
A medium roast may include flavors like caramel, chocolate and hints of spice, depending on the beans used. It is important to keep in mind that these flavors will be more subtle in a moderate roast than they would be in a lighter roast, as the beans have been more roasted.
Aside from the richness and boldness of coffee that is dark roasted, medium-dark flavored coffee may be bittersweet with a strong flavor that may make it unpalatable for some palates. Dark roasted coffee is characterized by its deep, oily appearance and features tastes of bittersweet chocolate smoke, and dark caramel.
If you’re looking for a smooth, balanced cup of coffee that’s lighter than dark, but not as delicate as light roast medium roast arabica coffee is the ideal choice. Our Happy Place blend is made using single-origin beans sourced from high elevation farms that are Rainforest Alliance certified and practice completely regenerative agriculture. It is a blend that has the flavors of blackberry, cocoa and guava with a soft finish.
No matter the roast level, all kinds of coffee have the same amount of caffeine. The amount of caffeine found in coffee beans varies based on their natural levels, as well as the amount of oxygen beans absorb when they are roast.
Dark Roast
Dark roast coffee is a variety that is roasted longer than light roast beans. This lets the coffee develop a more complex flavor profile. The result is a cup that has a rich, bold taste and less acidity than a light roasted bean. This type of coffee will suit those who prefer a robust cup to start the day.
Dark roasted coffee is distinguished by its distinctive brown color and an oily surface, giving it its signature rich and classic diner style taste. The roasting process used for this type of coffee is what makes it so distinct, and it’s essential to select a bean that has been roasted properly to enjoy the full flavor.
When a coffee is dark roasted, it has to be roast until the beans start to crack. This is the first indication that the beans have been properly roasted, and that they are ready to be made. Dark roasted coffee should also have a soft 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 roasted at the right temperature. This will allow the exotic and unique characteristics of the beans, without being overwhelmed by an over-roasted taste.
In addition to the roasting stage it is also important to consider the source of the beans and where they were cultivated to determine the most suitable dark-roasted coffee. For instance, certain regions have a distinct sweetness that is more suitable for coffee that is dark roasted Some regions provide an incredibly complex and rich flavor that can withstand the intensity of a dark roasted bean.
When choosing a dark roast, you should also be aware that the higher the roast level the more caffeine will be found in your coffee. This is because the roasted coffee beans are exposed to more heat which causes them to release more caffeine. Additionally, the darker a roast is, the more pronounced the bitterness will be.
Washed Coffee
Coffee beans that have been washed have gone through a process known as “wet processing.” After the process is completed the cherries, they are then de-pulped and then soaked in tanks of water to soften the sticky mucilage that covers them. The process is followed by a rinse to remove the remaining pectin, then drying. This is a very popular method among specialty roasters and is an excellent choice for those looking for crisp, clean acidic flavors with moderate amounts of body and sweetness.
Based on the duration of fermentation and the amount mucilage is left on the seeds, different flavors are created. They may have fruity, earthy, floral or even the nutty note. This is what allows washed coffees to convey a variety of terroir and the typicity of a varietal. Natural processed coffees can develop distinctive flavors due to the fruity pulp that surrounds the bean.
After the mucilage is removed, the beans can be dried by soaking them in large tanks of hot water (as with the washed method), or by spreading them on raised beds, patios or terraces, and turning them frequently. This is done until seeds have an average moisture content of 10-12 percent.
Roasting is the final stage. When the roasting process is complete, the temperature inside the bean will increase and a cracking sound will be heard, which is when vapors start to crack through the outer wall of the bean. This is referred to as the first crack.
When this happens, the roasted beans are ready for consumption. Light roasts taste fresh roasted arabica coffee beans and fruity because they have not been roasted long enough for the oils to develop. Medium roasts are more bready and have a deeper and deeper flavor, since they have been roasted for a longer period of time. Roasts that are darker may be smoky or have a chocolaty taste, based on the roasting level.
All of this creates an array of flavors and aromas and it’s your responsibility to choose the coffee that best suits your tastes! Explore a variety of single-origin roasts, such as lighter, medium and darker roasts. Each has its own unique flavor.