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Light, Medium, and Dark Roast. What's the Difference?

May 15, 2023

Light, Medium, and Dark Roast. What's the Difference?

If you're a coffee lover, you know there's a lot more to your favorite beverage than just a morning pick-me-up. From the aroma to the flavor, coffee is a complex and nuanced drink with a wide range of taste profiles. One key factor that plays a role in the taste of coffee is the roast level. Coffee can be roasted to various degrees, from light to dark, each with its unique flavor and characteristics. In this guide, we'll explore the differences between light, medium, and dark roast coffee and help you find your perfect cup of coffee.


First, let's start with the basics. Coffee roasting is a process that transforms raw coffee beans into the fragrant, flavorful beans we know and love. During the roasting process, the beans undergo chemical changes that affect their taste, aroma, and appearance. The longer the beans are roasted, the darker they become and the more pronounced their flavor becomes.


Light Roast Coffee

Light roast coffee beans are roasted for the shortest amount of time, resulting in a light brown color and a milder taste. These beans retain more of their natural acidity, making them brighter and fruitier in flavor. Light roast coffee also tends to have a higher caffeine content since the beans are not roasted as long, and the caffeine is not yet broken down. Light roast coffee is ideal for those who enjoy a more delicate flavor profile with hints of floral, citrus, or berry notes.


Medium Roast Coffee

Medium roast coffee is the most popular roast level in the United States. The beans are roasted to a medium brown color, which results in a slightly stronger flavor than light roast but still with a balanced acidity. Medium roast coffee has a smoother, fuller body and a slightly sweeter taste than light roast coffee. It also has a more pronounced flavor profile, with notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel.


Dark Roast Coffee

Dark roast coffee beans are roasted for the longest amount of time, resulting in a rich, dark color and a bold, smoky flavor. The beans lose some of their acidity during the roasting process, resulting in a less bright but more robust taste profile. Dark roast coffee has a fuller body than medium roast and a lower acidity level. It's the perfect choice for those who prefer a stronger, bolder flavor with notes of chocolate, caramel, and toasted nuts.


At Real Good Coffee Co., we offer a variety of light, medium, and dark roast coffee options to cater to every taste preference. Our light roast coffee, such as the blueberry honey light boasts a bright acidity and fruity notes, while our medium roast coffee, such as the Breakfast Blend, has a smoother body and nutty undertones. For those who prefer a bolder flavor, our dark roast coffee, like the French Roast has a smoky, full-bodied taste with notes of dark chocolate.


When it comes to brewing your perfect cup of coffee, keep in mind that different roast levels require different brewing methods. Light roast coffee is best brewed with a pour-over or drip method to retain its delicate flavors, while medium roast coffee can be brewed using a French press or espresso machine. Dark roast coffee, on the other hand, is best brewed with a French press or drip method to allow the bold flavors to fully develop.


In conclusion, understanding the differences between light, medium, and dark roast coffee can help you choose the perfect coffee to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy a brighter, fruity taste or a bold, smoky flavor, Real Good Coffee Co. has a roast level and flavor profile to cater to every taste bud. Try our light, medium, and dark roast coffee options to discover your new favorite blend and elevate your coffee experience.