Are you a coffee aficionado? Then, knowing about different aspects of coffee is one of your favorite activities, right? Apart from the types of coffee, types of roast are also an interesting topic. Hence, are you curious enough to know about light roast vs dark roast? Then, the post is a perfect destination for you.
Light Roast vs Dark Roast Coffee
Have you ever noticed the differences in taste in different coffee? Some varieties come with dark and deep flavor whereas some features fruity as well as bright taste. However, the strong taste of coffee does not necessarily come with its source or the processing techniques of coffee beans.
Although these factors contribute a bit, the difference lies in the intensity of roasting beans. Hence, the colors of the coffee beans are self-explanatory. That means you can easily comprehend how it is going to taste.
What Is Light Roast?
Light-roasted beans undergo less heat compared to dark roasted ones. Hence, these beans retain more moisture inside than their dark counterparts do. It makes the light roasted ones denser.
Moreover, these beans can also maintain their actual flavor as well as unique components. That means they can retain the natural attributes of the coffee. If you want more flavor of coffee in your cup, light-roasted coffee is your ideal option.
What Is About Dark Roast?
You already know that dark roasted beans spend more time inside the roasting machine. As a result, these beans feature less moisture.
Do you want your coffee taste like caramel, roasted nuts, and graham crackers? Then, dark roasted coffee is a suitable match for you. Since these beans expose to heat for longer, they produce oils. It results in a cup of thicker coffee.
Difference between Light Roast coffee and Dark Roast Coffee
Roasting Procedure:
Light-roasted coffee beans attain an internal temperature, ranging from 356°F to 401°F. When they reach about 300-350 degrees, the first crack (popping & expansion in size) of the coffee beans happens. That means light-roasted beans do not expose to heat after the first crack.
On the contrary, making of dark roasted beans needs an internal temperature, ranging from 465-480°F almost at the finishing of the second crack or after that. Coffee beans often experience more than 490°F of temperature to become dark roasted.
Flavors Of Cofee:
Light-roasted coffee features light brown color. Moreover, they do not contain oil on their beans. Boasting the highest amount of acidity, light roasts come as the brightest among the three levels of roasts. The maximum portion of their taste is sourced from the actual coffee. Hence, you can see their use in cuppings.
On the contrary, dark roasted coffee is dark brown or often almost black in color. They share similarities with chocolate. Oils are there on these beans. Most of the espresso roasts are dark roasted beans. That is why espresso drinks are compatible with a generous amount of sugar and milk.
Caffeine Content:
Which roast comes with more caffeine content than another does? The content is almost the same during every state of the roasting procedure. The simple tactic to have more caffeine is to add more amount of coffee during the preparation.
Taste:
Light-roasted coffee comes with a complicated taste. It is an amazing combination of sweetness and tanginess along with a mild floral aroma. These coffee beans feature a lighter body due to their less time spent in the roasting process.
Dark roasted coffee is less dense and the taste gets less caffeinated. Unlike light roast, dark roast comes with a straightforward flavor.
The Bottom Line
Light-roasted coffee generates delicate taste along with a thinner body. On the contrary, dark roast offers more soothing, single, and full-bodied flavors. Now, if you are not sure which one to pick, you can do one thing. Go for both and find out which flavor attracts you more.