Coming in various variants, coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages-even in almost every part of the world. Good coffee is made through a complex process, as determined by roasting.
This process can affect how the characteristics of the coffee are enjoyed. From the aroma and flavor to the caffeine content. For that, we should discuss the two most commonly found types of coffee with different roasting levels, namely light roast vs dark roast coffee.
Despite using the same coffee beans, different roasting processes can have significantly different results. Let’s get to know what the roasting process is in coffee first!
What’s A Roasting Process?
Roasting is heating green coffee beans to a certain level of heat. When consumed, the goal is to give the coffee a unique aroma, flavor, and texture.
Usually, these coffee beans will be roasted until they reach a temperature of 180-250°C. So, why does this happen?
The explanation is quite scientific because coffee beans undergo complex chemical changes, one of which is experiencing the Maillard reaction and caramelization process. The coffee’s distinctive aroma and flavor will come out from this process.
In the roasting process, the heated coffee beans will experience a loss of water content, even becoming yellowish in appearance.
After this, the beans will enter the first crack stage. This is the process where the beans will split due to internal pressure. After that, you can smell the aroma and flavor that starts to form.
If roasted longer, your coffee beans will enter the second crack stage, where the coffee will taste more intense and heavy in texture.
What Is Light Roast Coffee?
Based on the explanation above, light roast coffee may be likened to coffee beans that are only roasted briefly, which is only until the first crack stage.
To the naked eye, this coffee bean type is light brown, and the surface tends to be dry. Why is that? The natural oils in the coffee can only come out to the surface if the roasting process is a little longer.
What Is Dark Roast Coffee?
Meanwhile, dark roast coffee is a type of coffee that is produced through a longer roasting process, even with higher temperatures. In contrast to light roast, this coffee is roasted until it reaches the second crack stage.
The color is usually dark brown, and it even tends to be black. The surface is oily due to natural oils that come out due to the intense roasting process.
Also read: The Best Coffee Beans for Dark Roast & How to Choose Them.
The Differences Between Light Roast vs Dark Roast Coffee
To be able to distinguish light roast vs dark roast coffee, you need to compare the two from several aspects. Check out the full explanation below:
1. Aroma
Light roast coffee has a bright and floral aroma, even with a hint of fruitiness. The aroma of this type of coffee is similar to the characteristics or region of origin of the coffee grains used.
Meanwhile, the aroma of dark roast is more pungent, with a slight note of chocolate or sweet caramel. Its intense aroma will enhance your experience when sipping coffee.
2. Flavor
The second aspect is in terms of flavor. Light roast coffee is lighter and more acidic. It can also bring out the original characteristics of the beans used, be it floral, fruity, or nutty. These coffee grains are perfect for those who prefer to explore coffee with unique flavors.
On the other hand, dark roast coffee has a deep, bitter taste with a slightly smoky and caramelized aftertaste. Instead of the faint original flavor of the beans, this coffee delivers a rather intense flavor. Generally, this coffee is preferred by coffee lovers who like drinks with a strong flavor and thick texture.
3. Body
Do you prefer coffee that feels thicker? The term for the thickness or weight of a coffee is called body. If you like strong and thick coffee, dark roast coffee might be the best choice.
On the other hand, if you like your coffee to be light, go for light roast coffee. The texture is light because the oil content is low, and the acid level is relatively high.
4. Caffeine Content
Despite its strong flavor, the dark roast has lower caffeine than light roast coffee. Why does this happen? The caffeine content of coffee decreases as the roasting process becomes more intense.
5. Health Benefits
The last difference between light roast vs dark roast coffee is the health benefits you receive. For both types of coffee, you get the same high antioxidant content.
The difference is that the antioxidants in light-roast coffee tend to be higher. Various compounds beneficial for our body’s metabolism can also be found here.
This happens because the roasting time tends to be short, so it doesn’t make a significant difference to the final result of the coffee.
Best Way to Brew Light Roast vs Dark Roast Coffee
If you want to get a flavor profile that matches your taste buds, then you should know the right way to brew coffee for coffee with two different maturity levels.
Best Way to Brew Light Roast Coffee
Here are some of the best ways to brew light roast coffee. Choose according to your preference and the tools you have available.
- Pour Over: This method gives you the flexibility to control the brewing time and water temperature precisely. This makes it very suitable for producing light roast coffee that tastes smooth.
- Aeropress: Extract light roast coffee beans with an aeropress. This brewing method allows the coffee to be bright without losing its delicate flavor. Try different grind sizes to see which one suits your preferences best.
- French Press: French Press relies on coarsely grinding the beans, then brewing for a long time. This way, the texture of the light roast can feel thicker, and the fruity flavor becomes more dominant.
- Cold Brew: Although less conventional for the best light roast, you can still rely on cold brew, which tastes fresh and slightly sweet.
- Chemex: This technique is quite similar to pour-over. The difference is that it uses a thicker filter paper. The result is a clean-tasting cup of coffee.
Best Way to Brew Dark Roast Coffee
So, what are the recommended methods of brewing dark roast coffee? Please take a look at some of our recommended options!
- Espresso: The espresso method is defined as rapid-pressure brewing. The resulting coffee extract is richer in flavor, making it ideal for dark roast coffee.
- French Press: The French Press technique gives you a cup of dark roast coffee that is thick and quite intense in flavor.
- Moka Pot: This stovetop brewing method gives you a solid espresso-like brew. This technique is perfect when used to enjoy intense dark roast flavors.
- Percolator: Passing water through the grind repeatedly increases extraction; it is suitable for those who enjoy a potent brew.
- Drip Coffee Maker: This classic method provides a dark roast coffee’s convenience and balanced flavor extraction.
How to Choose Between Light Roast vs Dark Roasts That Fits Your Taste
Which coffee variety is better when comparing light roast vs. dark roast coffee? This answer also depends on your taste preferences.
Here are some tips to help you choose which coffee suits your taste!
- Would you prefer a bright, acidic coffee? Go for light roast coffee. Conversely, go for dark roast if your coffee tastes quite intense and strong.
- For lovers of mild coffee, light roast comes as a great choice. On the other hand, if you like your coffee thicker, then dark roast coffee is the answer.
- Furthermore, choose light roast if you prefer coffee with an authentic and unique flavor. For those of you who like coffee with a smoky flavor, choose dark roast coffee.
- If you prefer coffee with caffeine, you may be more suited to light roast. However, if you dislike it, go for a dark roast.
- Lastly, do you prefer the pour-over brewing method? If so, you’re more suited to light roast. Meanwhile, espresso machines are more suitable for processing dark roast coffee.
Also read: Specialty Coffee Drinks at Home.
Enjoy Coffee with the Best Taste from FnB Coffee!
Do you have a good understanding of the difference between light roast vs dark roast coffee? Now, you can choose which type of coffee best suits your taste.
Remember to decide based on the explanation of their respective characteristics above, ranging from the aroma, flavor, and caffeine content to the health benefits they offer.
The key to the best cup of coffee comes from quality coffee beans. Visit the FnB Coffee website to find the best coffee beans from Indonesia. With the perfect flavor and aroma, you will have a different coffee experience than usual.
Do you still need to decide which type of coffee is suitable according to your taste? You can contact our team or check out some of our best-sellers.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your premium Indonesian coffee from FnB Coffee for the best drinking experience!
