Coffee drinks are produced using various processing techniques. This is very important to ensure that the flavor and aroma vary according to the preferences of the person consuming it.
When it comes to roasting coffee, you’ll usually find one of three commonly used roasting techniques: light, medium, and dark roast.
However, have you ever wondered what the differences are between medium roast vs dark roast coffee? Which roasting level best suits your taste?
Let’s explore this article to discover the differentiating factors, from flavor to acidity. But first, it’s best to understand each of the roasting levels.
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Understanding The Coffee Roasting Process
Roasting is the process of heating raw coffee beans. Through this process, the beans release special chemical compounds that give each coffee its unique aroma, flavor, and characteristics. Here are three common roasting levels that we typically use:
1. Light Roast
Light roast is the lowest and shortest level of coffee roasting when compared to medium or dark roast. This process produces coffee beans with a light brown color and a dry surface.
Choose this roasting level if you like your coffee to have the authentic flavor of the beans, such as single-origin coffee.
2. Medium Roast
Meanwhile, medium roast is a level of coffee roasting that produces a balanced coffee flavor. The color is certainly darker than light, but the surface is still free of oil layers.
This type of coffee is perfect for those who enjoy a harmonious flavor that retains the original characteristics of its place of origin.
3. Dark Roast
The last roasting level is a dark roast, a level of coffee roasting with a higher temperature and longer time. You will get coffee with a dark brown to blackish color and an oily surface through this level.
Dark roast coffee is ideal if you like a strong flavor. These types of coffee are commonly used in espresso coffee and can even be mixed with milk or sugar.
Also read: Light Roast vs Dark Roast Coffee: What Makes It Different
Medium Roast Coffee Characteristics
Before discussing the difference between medium roast vs dark roast coffee, it’s better to first understand the characteristics of medium roast coffee. Here are some of its main characteristics:
1. Approachability
Medium roast coffee provides a balanced and smooth flavor. This makes it very suitable for both novice and expert coffee lovers.
Medium roast coffee has a moderate acidity level, offering a balanced flavor profile. It’s not as sour as light roast coffee, nor as bitter as dark roast. This type of coffee provides a comfortable and pleasant coffee-drinking experience.
2. Versatility in Brewing Methods
Secondly, it can be brewed with various methods. You can use manual brewing methods such as French Press and pour-over or a dedicated espresso machine. This is a great method for those who like to experiment with brewing coffee.
3. Ability to Highlight the Natural Characteristics of the Beans
What is medium roast good for? Medium roast coffee excels because it can still highlight its authentic characteristics, without the acidity or bitterness of the other two roasting levels. With this, you can refine your coffee until it reaches the ideal flavor profile for your taste buds!
Also read: Be The Master! 4 Coffee Roasting Levels Chart with Image & Guide
Dark Roast Coffee Characteristics
On the other hand, dark roast coffee is known for being complex and full of character. Its strong flavor profile makes it favored by some bold and intense coffee lovers.
1. Boldness
Dark roast coffee has a strong and bold flavor. The resulting coffee has a thicker body and intense flavour from the roasting process, which is higher in temperature and longer in time. This type of dark roast coffee is perfect for those who like their coffee with a deep and strong flavor!
2. Depth of Flavor
Secondly, dark roast coffee provides a fairly deep flavor profile. The combination of chocolate notes, spices, and a hint of smokiness makes your coffee-drinking experience special. With every sip, you’ll be greeted with layers of complex and interesting flavors.
3. Ability to Withstand Added Ingredients
Furthermore, dark roast coffee can bring out its unique flavor even when added to milk or sugar. Thanks to its strong and intense flavor, you can produce coffee drinks that taste strong, sweet, and creamy simultaneously.
The Difference Between Medium Roast vs Dark Roast Coffee
What are the differences between medium roast vs dark roast coffee? These two types of coffee differ in four main factors:
1. Flavor Comparison
Is medium or dark roast stronger? Dark roast usually has a stronger flavor than medium roast, with hints of chocolate and rich spices.
On the other hand, medium roast coffee has a smoother, more balanced flavor with hints of caramel notes and nuts.
2. Health Benefits
In terms of health benefits, both medium and dark roast coffees are rich in antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body. Notably, dark roast coffee has an even higher antioxidant content, thanks to its longer roasting process.
Also read: 7 Java Coffee Benefits That You Need To Know
3. Caffeine Level
Despite its shorter roasting process, medium roast coffee actually has higher caffeine levels! The roasting process removes some of the caffeine from the beans.
The longer the roasting process, the more caffeine is lost. Therefore, medium roast coffee can be an excellent choice for those seeking an energy boost.
4. Acidic Level
Which is more acidic, medium or dark roast? Typically, medium roast coffee is more acidic than dark roast. This higher acidity gives medium roast a brighter and fresher flavor compared to the more mellow and robust taste of dark roast coffee.
Also read: Understanding the Differences: Light Roast vs Medium Roast Coffee
Which One is Better: Medium Roast vs Dark Roast Coffee?
It all comes down to individual taste when choosing between medium and dark roast. Choose a medium roast for a coffee with a balanced flavor that can adapt to any brewing method.
On the other hand, dark roast coffee boasts a strong and deep flavor profile. Experimenting with both medium and dark roasts will help you discover which one suits your taste best!
Find the Right Coffee for You at FnB Coffee!
Now that you’ve grasped the differences between medium roast and dark roast, you can appreciate the unique appeal of each type. This knowledge allows you to choose the coffee that best suits your taste preferences and needs!
Whatever your taste, use high-quality coffee beans, such as Indonesian beans from FnB Coffee! We provide various coffees with interesting flavors from Arabica and Robusta types.
Still, which coffee option suits your taste? Check out our list of best-selling coffee products, or contact the FnB Coffee team to discuss further!
