Bean Me Up: My Obsession with the Perfect Cup of Joe
Photo by Madison Inouye on Pexels.com
Let me tell you…I’ve learned the hard way that choosing the right roast is an essential part of the coffee-making process. My obsession with the perfect cup has let me to buying many different bean types (arabica and robusta) and roasting them to different temperatures (i.e. light, medium, dark). Some folks prefer a light or medium roast, while others (I used to be one) swear by the bold, robust flavor of dark roast coffee. But, is dark roast all it’s hyped up to be?
Many coffee connoisseurs claim that dark roast coffee offers a bolder, richer flavor than other roasts. I tend to agree with them. It does rather punch you in the face if you’re a black coffee drinker. When beans are dark roasted – commonly known as French or even Italian roasts (any darker and you’re probably drinking ashes!) – you find these mostly served with milk and heaps of sugar. The truth is that dark roast coffee often results in a bitter, burnt taste that masks the natural flavors of the coffee beans. This is because dark roast coffee is roasted at higher temperatures for longer periods, which can lead to over-roasting and a loss of the coffee’s natural flavors.
Additionally, some studies have found that dark roast coffee has a lower caffeine content than lighter roasts. This is because the roasting process breaks down the caffeine in the coffee beans, leaving dark roast coffee with less of the energy-boosting chemical. So, if you’re looking for a bigger morning boost, or pick me up, the science says roast a bit lighter.
So, why is dark roast coffee so popular? The answer lies in the marketing and perception of dark roast coffee. Many coffee companies have marketed dark roast coffee as a premium product, with a bold, rich flavor that sets it apart from other roasts. This has led to a widespread belief that dark roast coffee is superior to other roasts, when in fact, it may not be. Don’t be fooled by the marketing. We’ll talk in much detail on this site about lighter roasts – mainly because I am determined to introduce the nuanced flavors sweet, fruity, nutty, and creamy in the lighter roasts.
The bottom line is that dark roast coffee may not be worth the bitter taste or the high price tag. Instead, consider trying a lighter or medium roast, which may offer a more balanced flavor and a higher caffeine content. With so many great coffee options available, there’s no need to settle for overrated, over-roasted coffee.
Don’t get me wrong, dark roast coffee may have a place in the coffee world, it’s important to keep in mind that it may not be the best choice for everyone. Let’s explore other roasts together. I’d love to hear from you, what’s your favorite roast type and why? Who knows, you may even open my mind to unique flavor profiles in darker roasts that I have not honed in on yet.
Remember, choose the roast that works best for your personal taste preferences, and keep elevating your coffee experience!
–The Coffee Bean Connoisseur