Have you ever found yourself wondering what the different roasts of coffee mean? Many people assume that all coffees are processed the same way, but in the world of the best coffee roasters, the roast makes all the difference! Here at Lavanta, we are proud to import the best quality green coffee beans online and roast them right in our store, but your favorite beans may also be roasted somewhere else—or, maybe you want to explore the excitement of roasting your own coffee beans! In any case, today we will share the difference between the various roasting profiles, how they get roasted, and how the roast affects the flavor.

Basics of Coffee Roasting
Roasting the coffee beans is so important because it can release up to one thousand different compounds affecting taste and smell! Without roasting, your cup would likely be green and grassy. To roast, coffee beans are carefully exposed to heat and allowed to cook for some time.

Light or Dark Roast?
While there are many different degrees between “light and dark” roast coffees, the basics stay true for every degree. Coffee that is very lightly roasted is typically more acidic, with a bold, vibrant flavor. As the coffee is roasted further, the fruit compounds break down, and more sulfuric compounds can be tasted. Many people enjoy a medium roast to balance the fruity, light flavor of light roasts and the smoky, burnt flavors of dark roasts. Speaking of dark roasts, these are roasted the longest, often resulting in a pleasantly burnt flavor and low acid. There is no “right or wrong” way to enjoy your coffee, so try to experiment with different roast levels to find the one that makes your taste buds tingle!

Roast Expertise
Roasting coffee beans is about more than just getting them hot. Unlike microwave popcorn, each coffee roaster has his or her own preferences, and these preferences affect the taste. For example, some coffee beans taste delicious when roasted quickly, while others do better with a slow roast to maximize flavor. Slower roasts typically reduce acid, which can help those who are sensitive or avoiding acidic beverages. If your coffee roaster in NJ knows if you are planning to use an espresso machine or a filtered brew method, your roast can be adjusted to perfectly suit these brewing types.

We hope you enjoyed our brief introduction to the coffee roasting process! If you have more questions, or want to try some of the best, fresh-roasted coffee in New Jersey, stop by Lavanta Coffee Roasters today!