As a globally consumed beverage, each type of coffee has a different flavor based on where it is grown. From sweet, chocolate-like coffee to citrus flavors, all can be created ideally based on the roasting process.
One of the crucial aspects to consider in the coffee roasting process is the roast profile. With a roast profile, you can control the flavor, aroma, and characteristics of the coffee produced to consumer preferences.
However, what is a roast profile? Let’s explore the definition of a roast profile, the terms you’ll find in it, the types, and the various factors that affect the flavor and roasting level of coffee.
Table of Contents
What Is A Roast Profile?
The roast profile is the main parameter that defines the settings of roasted coffee beans. Measurements in a roast profile include roasting temperature and time, as well as how physical and chemical changes occur.
Each roast profile produces a different flavor, depending on the primary processing. In practice, the roast profile is depicted in the form of a graph. In it, the X-axis is represented as time and the Y-axis as temperature.
Adjusting this graph will help you to monitor the progress of the coffee as it is roasted, and even make adjustments for coffee drinks with the desired flavor. You can also understand how the coffee beans react to the roasting process.
Also read: Be the Master! 4 Coffee Roasting Levels Chart with Image & Guide
Common Roasting Terminology
In coffee roasting, there are several terms that you need to know. Here are the terms in question:
1. First Crack
The first crack is the first process of cracking the roasted coffee beans. Usually, this happens due to the development of the coffee beans while releasing the steam pressure from within.
This stage indicates that your beans have reached the early stages of roasting. Roasting process can be stopped at this point to produce light roast coffee!
2. Second Crack
Next, you will find the second crack sound as well. You can only see this stage also in favor of fully roasted coffee, such as dark roast coffee.
3. Development Time
This is the term that occurs between the first crack and the final roasting phase. In this stage, the coffee’s distinctive flavor and aroma are developed!
4. Charge Temperature
Charge temperature is defined as the initial temperature set when the coffee beans are first put in the roasting machine.
5. Rate of Rise (RoR)
Finally, this term is the speed at which the temperature of the coffee beans changes during the roasting process.
A Quick Overview of the Different Roast Profiles
After recognizing what is a roast profile, you need to understand the types of roast profiles. Based on the level of maturity and length of roasting, coffee beans are divided into three main categories: light, medium, and dark roast.
Each of these roasting levels has unique flavor characteristics. Let’s discover the differences between the three in the following review:
1. Light Roast Coffee
Light roast coffee or city roast, or half city roast, is coffee with a light brown color. The taste is predominantly bright and sour, combined with fruity flavors and floral solid aromas.
To achieve light roast coffee, you need to roast it at about 196-205°C and stop the process when the first crack is heard.
2. Medium Roast Coffee
Next up is medium roast coffee. Also known as American roast, these coffee beans tend to have a darker color and are covered with a thin layer of oil.
As for the flavor, these beans provide a balanced taste between sour and sweet, with hints of notes resembling caramel and chocolate.
The roasting temperature for this level of medium roast coffee ranges from 210-220°C and is generally finished slightly after the first crack.
3. Dark Roast Coffee
The last level is a dark roast, also known as a French roast and Italian roast. From the outside, these beans have the darkest color among the others. Plus, the surface is oilier due to the high roasting temperature and the long time.
This type of coffee tastes solid and intense and tends to be bitter. However, it is also mixed with hints of dark chocolate and caramel notes, making it slightly sweet.
To reach this level, you need to roast the beans at 225-230°C and must go even beyond the second crack stage!
Also read: Medium Roast vs Dark Roast Coffee: Everything You Need To Know
Factors That Influence Flavors and Roast Levels
Apart from the roasting time and temperature, the roast levels above are also determined by various other factors. Here are some of them:
1. Density
The first factor that affects the roasting level is the density of the coffee beans. The denser the beans, the longer they should be roasted at a higher temperature as well. This helps bring out the flavor optimally!
2. Moisture Content
Next up is the moisture content of the coffee. The high moisture content in a coffee bean will prolong its roasting time.
In a complex way, this can even affect the development of the flavor. For this reason, you must control this moisture content to achieve the desired coffee flavor profile.
3. Size of the Coffee Beans
Did you know that the size of coffee beans affects the roasting process? Larger coffee beans require a longer roasting time, while smaller beans roast more quickly.
4. Shape of the Coffee Beans
Unevenly shaped beans can complicate achieving an evenly roasted coffee. That’s why it’s essential to select beans that are uniform in shape and size!
5. Hardness
The next factor that influences bean maturity is their hardness. Harder beans require a higher roasting temperature and longer roasting time. This way, you can achieve your desired level of roasting!
6. Processing Methods
Are your beans processed using the washed or natural method? Both methods impact roasting time and the final flavor of the coffee. Therefore, it’s important to adjust the roasting temperature and time to maximize taste and aroma.
How to Develop a Roast Profile?
How do you achieve the desired roast profile? It’s easy; you have to experiment repeatedly to combine the roasting time and temperature to suit your taste.
1. Understand the Characteristics of Coffee Beans
Before designing a roast profile, first understand the characteristics of the coffee bean variety you are using. Take a good look at their density, moisture, size, shape, and hardness. By paying attention to the above factors, you can determine the initial roasting parameters appropriately.
2. Conduct Test Runs
Combine several temperature variations with roasting times during this process. Eventually, you’ll find the combination that works best for your desired coffee flavor. Remember to record each result for future personal reference.
3. Using Monitoring Technology
The last step is to use various coffee roasting recording software, one of which is Cropster. It can help record data such as temperature and roasting time in real time so that you can make adjustments based on these observations.
Also read: How to Roast Decaf Coffee Beans: Everything You Need to Know
Using Roast Profiles To Develop Flavor
What is a roast profile? In a nutshell, a roast profile is the degree to which the temperature and roasting time of coffee beans are regulated. Understanding the roasting process well will help you explore the unique flavors of each coffee bean!
Do you want the best coffee beans for perfect roasting results? Try using FnB Coffee‘s variety of Indonesian beans!
We provide various types of coffee beans, ranging from Arabica to Robusta. Each of these variations has its own uniqueness-customizing the flavor and aroma to suit your taste buds!
But which coffee option suits your taste? Check out our list of best-selling coffees, or contact the FnB Coffee team to discuss further. Explore the authentic flavors of the Indonesian coffee beans with products from FnB Coffee!
