If you’re like most coffee lovers, you’ve probably been wondering what the difference is between a dark roast and a light roast. Fortunately, buying specialty coffee beans isn’t as difficult as it may seem. The answer to the question “what is a dark roast coffee?” lies in the varying levels of roast that beans go through before they are ready for consumption.
Coffee producers take advantage of the flavors in different parts of the bean by roasting different samples at different temperatures. When a bean is roasted at lower temperatures, its oils are kept intact and its natural sugars remain within; this results in a light roast. Conversely, when a bean is roasted at higher temperatures, its oils escape from their enclosures and its natural sugars begin to decompose; this results in a dark roast. In general, lighter roasts have more flavor than darker ones; however, there are exceptions to this rule depending on the bean and how it was roasted.
What is a Dark Roast Coffee?
A dark roast is a method of roasting in which beans are roasted at a relatively high temperature for a relatively long time. During this process, some oils in the beans escape and the sugar in the beans begins to break down. This results in a dark-colored bean with a rich and robust flavor. Different roasts have different flavors, so although, dark roast coffee beans tend to lose much of the natural flavors, not all dark roasts are similar. Dark roasts are particularly used in espresso as they retain more of the oily compounds found in coffee beans that produce the necessary steam for an espresso shot. These compounds, otherwise known as “thermogenic oils,” quickly increase in concentration when the beans are heated and produce that necessary steam. Generally speaking, dark roast coffee will lack the acidity of a light roast, and have a noticeable full-body, and bitter-sweet notes.
Why is Dark Roast Special?
Dark roasts are often preferred for their robust and rich flavors because the roasted beans’ oils have had more time to escape from their enclosures and mix with the coffee’s natural sugars. This results in rich, robust flavors that are often absent in lighter roasts. In addition to richer flavors, dark roasts also have lower caffeine content than light roasts do. This is because in high temperatures the caffeine in the beans begins to decompose. When done right, and using top-quality coffee beans, dark roast coffee can not only deliver a thick and full body but also a wide spectrum of sweet, nutty, and smoky flavors, without the bitterness, depending on the beans. At the end of the day, a good dark roast coffee holds a depth that is usually missing in a light roast.
Is Dark Roast Coffee Stronger?
That is a question raised by many. If by strong we mean more caffeine – then no. Dark roasts actually have lower levels of caffeine than light roasts. However, dark roasts are usually consumed as an espresso shot. This means the brewing ratio of 1:1 translate to a condensed shot of coffee with a higher caffeine level. Some may define stronger by being more robust and present. If this is the case, We can relate, as dark roasts have a fuller body that is felt when hitting your palate.
How to Brew Dark Roast Coffee?
Dark roasted coffee can fit almost every type of brewing method, however, they are often used as espresso shots or brewed in espresso machines. Brewing dark roasted coffee as an espresso complements the characteristics of the coffee by amplifying its full body and aroma. As we see it, every pressurized brewing method will extract the full potential of dark roast coffee. As a result, An Aeropress will also serve well for dark roast coffee. It allows you to make quality regular coffee, cold brew, and an espresso-like drink. However, it is important to pay attention to the grinding level. Using dark roast for an espresso machine means you’ll need to grind the beans in a proper grinder because of the high levels of oils on the surface of the beans. Cheap grinders will have a hard time finely grinding dark roast.
Tips for Purchasing Dark Roast Coffee Beans
Dark roasts often have a lot more flavor than lighter roasts do, which is why you’ll often see them referred to as “specialty” roasts. This is because dark roasts take a lot more time and effort to produce than lighter roasts do. The first factor to consider, that applies to all types of roasts, is the roasting date. Stale coffee is bad, nevertheless in a dark roast. Try to avoid buying dark roast coffee that was roasted more than a month ago. The second rule is a matter of personal taste. Because of the process, the beans are going through, and the flavors that come with it, try to pick coffee beans that will work well with dark roasting. We prefer coffee beans that have sweeter notes that balance the earthy and smoked flavor of the roast.
Conclusion
Dark roasts are often preferred for their rich and robust flavors, as well as their full body. These are all reasons why dark roasts are often referred to as “specialty” roasts. These specialty beans are often preferred by espresso lovers, as they can easily be brewed into a rich and potent shot with the addition of hot water. It is however useful to understand the roasting process and its effect on flavors. Doing so will allow you to pick the best dark roast coffee for your next cup.