7 Types of Roasting Techniques For the Perfect Coffee

Coffee roasting is both a delicate art and science that calls for both accuracy and care. It’s crucial to select the roasting method that best suits your preferences because different roasting methods release distinct flavors and fragrances. 

Whether you prefer light, medium, or dark roast coffee, being aware of various coffee roasting methods will help you find the ideal flavor and aroma balance. We'll look at a few different coffee roasting methods and how they impact coffee flavour. Keep reading! 

7 Types of Coffee Roasting Techniques 

Light Roast 

A common method for bringing out the complex and nuanced flavours of premium coffee beans is light roasting. Light roasts are distinguished by their light brown hue, which comes about as a result of the beans being roasted for less time than darker roasts.

Aroma

It has a bright, floral, and fruity scent. Since light roast coffee is roasted for a shorter time than darker roasts, it preserves more of the natural characteristics of the coffee beans, including their aroma.

Acidity Level and Taste

Light roast coffee often has a lighter body and less acidity when brewed. It has bright, fruity aromas with hints of floral or citrus overtones. This is because light roasting enhances the natural flavours of the beans rather than masking them with smokiness.

Things to Consider

1. When brewing light roast coffee, it is important to use a method that allows the flavours of the beans to shine through. One popular brewing method for light roast coffee is the pour-over method, which involves slowly pouring hot water over the coffee grounds to extract the flavours. 
2. This method allows for a more delicate extraction process, which is well-suited for the delicate flavours of light roast coffee.
3. Another important factor when brewing light roast coffee is the grind size. Because light roast coffee is less dense than darker roasts, it requires a coarser grind to avoid over-extraction. 
4. A coarse grind allows the water to flow through the coffee grounds more easily, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful cup of coffee.
5. Finally, it's crucial to monitor the water's temperature when brewing light roast coffee. Lighter roast coffee is less thick than darker roasts, making it more susceptible to over-extraction from hot water. For the best extraction, the water should be heated to a temperature of between 195°F and 205°F.

Medium Roast

Since its flavour is well-balanced, medium roast coffee is a preferred choice among coffee drinkers. In order to create this style of roast, coffee beans must be heated to a higher temperature and roasted for a longer period of time than light roast, but not as long as dark roast. 

Aroma

Coffee beans produce oils during the roasting process that enhance their aroma. The aroma of medium roast coffee is pleasant and not overbearing. This makes it a fantastic choice for individuals who like a more subdued coffee aroma. It has a medium brown shade and an aroma that is neither overly delicate nor robust.

Acidity Level and Taste 

The medium roasted beans have a balanced acidity. While coffee with a low acidity has a smooth, mellow flavor, coffee with a high acidity has a vibrant, acidic flavor. Between these two extremes, medium-roasted coffee strikes a balance that results in a flavor that is neither overly tart nor excessively mild.

You may taste flavours like chocolate, caramel, almonds, and fruits depending on the origin of the coffee beans.

Things to Consider

It is excellent for most brewing techniques, including drip coffee makers, French presses, and espresso machines. Additionally, it can serve as the foundation for a variety of coffee beverages, including cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos. 

Dark Roast

Dark-roasted coffee is distinguished by its strong, deep flavor and dark colour. In contrast to medium roast or light roast, this style of roast is produced by roasting coffee beans for a longer time at a higher temperature. 

To release their oils, the beans are roasted until they are dark brown or even black. The prolonged roasting period produces a unique flavor that sets this roast variety apart from others.

Aroma

Dark roast coffee has a distinctive scent as well. Oils are released throughout the roasting process, adding to the coffee's potent, luscious aroma. Dark roast coffee's scent is frequently described as being earthy, woodsy, or even pungent.

Acidity Level and Taste

Low acidity is one of the primary properties of dark-roasted coffee. The sour or acidic flavor you detect when you take a drink of coffee is known as its acidity. Dark roast coffee has a low amount of acidity, making it a good choice for individuals who like a mellower, less acidic flavor. 

The robust and intense flavor of dark roasted coffee is another feature. The beans are roasted at a high temperature to bring out the robust flavors. 

Dark roasted coffee frequently tastes burned, caramelized, and smoky. While some people say it has a nutty or spicy flavour, others say it has a bittersweet or chocolaty flavour.

Things to Consider

Dark-roasted coffee is frequently utilized in espresso drinks. Other coffee beverages, including Americanos, cappuccinos, and lattes, can also be made with it. 

French Roast

Known as a “continental” roast or a “Viennese” roast, a French roast, is produced by roasting coffee beans until they are dark brown and have an oily, shiny surface. It has a stronger, bolder flavor and aroma because it is roasted for a longer period and at a higher temperature than other dark-roasted coffees.

Aroma

French roast coffee has a distinctive scent as well. It releases oil that adds to the robust fragrance of the beans. Moreover, it has an earthy and smoky aroma. 

Acidity Level and Taste

French roast coffee is a good choice for individuals who want a smoother, less acidic flavor because it has a low acidity level. Because it doesn't overshadow the milk or other tastes in the drink, the moderate acidity also makes it a fantastic choice for espresso drinks.

Longer roasting enhances the coffee's strong, smokey taste and caramelizes the sugars in the beans, giving it a sweet, nutty flavor. French roast coffee is frequently described as having a strong, earthy, full-bodied flavour with hints of chocolate, almonds, and spices.

Things to Consider

French roast coffee is often used to make espresso drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes, as well as other coffee drinks. It is a popular choice for people who enjoy a strong, robust cup of coffee that can wake them up in the morning or keep them going throughout the day.

Italian Roast 

Known as “Spanish” or “Dark French” roast, Italian roast coffee is a dark roast that is produced by roasting coffee beans almost to blackness and giving them an oily, lustrous surface. 

Aroma

Italian roast coffee has a smokey, nutty, and caramel-like aroma. Oils are released throughout the lengthier roasting process, adding to the coffee's robust and complex aroma.

Acidity Level and Taste

Italian roast coffee has a moderate acidity, making it a good choice for individuals who like a mellower, less acidic flavour. Because it doesn't overshadow the milk or other tastes in the drink, the moderate acidity also makes it a fantastic choice for espresso drinks.

Longer roasting enhances the coffee's strong, smokey taste and caramelizes the sugars in the beans, giving it a sweet, nutty flavour. Hence, Italian roast has a strong flavour with hints of chocolate, almonds, and spices.

Things to Consider

It's crucial to pick fresh, high-quality beans that have been properly roasted. In general, 100% Arabica beans are thought to be of superior quality to other varieties of coffee beans.

City Roast 

City Roast is a medium-darkness coffee roast that is often referred to as "light-medium roast." Compared to dark roasts, it is roasted for a shorter period of time, producing a more delicate flavor profile that lets the natural qualities of the beans come through.

Aroma

It smells delicious and fragrant, with notes of chocolate and caramel with a light and subtle sweetness.

Acidity Level and Taste

City Roast coffee also boasts a flavor profile that is well-rounded and smooth. A more delicate, nuanced flavour that is neither overpowering nor underpowering is possible thanks to the reduced roasting period. Hence, it is easy to drink, smooth, balanced, and lively, with a subtle sweetness.

For those who want a coffee flavour that is lighter on the taste, city roast coffee is a great choice. It is also a fantastic choice for individuals who prefer to enjoy the distinctive qualities of the coffee beans without having the roasting.

Things to Consider

When brewing city-roasted coffee, it is important to consider the brewing method and the water temperature. Since city roast coffee is more delicate than darker roasts, it is best to use a lower temperature water and a shorter brew time to avoid over-extraction. It is also crucial to use high-quality coffee beans and to grind them fresh before brewing to ensure that you get the best possible flavor.

City roast coffee should be roasted to a temperature of around 415-425 degrees Fahrenheit, which results in a bright and tangy taste. This type of roast also preserves the original flavours of the coffee beans, allowing the distinct characteristics of the region to shine through.

Full City Roast 

Referred to as a "medium-dark roast”, full city roast is a sort of coffee roast that lies between medium and dark roasts. It is roasted for a longer time than city roast but less time than a dark roast, producing a cup of coffee that is flavorful and complex.

Full city roast has a flavour that is full-bodied and rich, which is one of its main qualities. A sweeter flavour is produced by allowing for more sugars to form and caramelize over the lengthier roasting period. Along with a slight acidity that counteracts the sweetness, full-city roast coffee also offers a nutty, chocolatey flavour profile.

Additionally distinctive is the scent of full-city roast coffee. It smells deep, richly, and contains overtones of chocolate, and caramel.

Aroma

It has a deep, rich aroma with hints of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. The aroma of full city roast coffee is often described as bold and inviting, with a warm sweetness.

Acidity Level and Taste

The longer roasting time allows for more caramelization and the development of sugars, resulting in a sweeter taste. Full city roast coffee also has a nutty, chocolatey flavour profile with a slight acidity that balances the sweetness.

Things to Consider

The roasting temperature should be carefully controlled to achieve the desired roast level. A Full City roast typically requires a temperature of around 437°F–446°F.

After roasting, the beans should be cooled quickly to prevent over-roasting. This can be done by spreading the beans out on a flat surface and allowing them to cool for several minutes.