Get to Know the Different Coffee Roasts Out There!

Do you know the difference between light roast and dark roast coffee beans? Most people don’t know that these two types of coffee roasts have some pretty significant differences. The following guide will help you understand the basic differences between light roast and dark roast coffee beans. 

What is Dark Roast Coffee?
Roasting coffee beans is a process. Dark roast coffee refers to coffee beans which have been roasted or heated for about 15 minutes at a temperature that is above 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 204 degrees Celsius. Dark roast must be roasted for more than 10 minutes and it must be roasted at a temperature that is above 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What is Light Roast Coffee?
Light roast coffee refers to coffee beans which have been roasted or heated for about 10 minutes or less at a temperature that is; between 350 degrees to 400 degrees Fahrenheit; or 177 to 204 degrees Celsius. Light roast coffee cannot be heated higher than 400 degrees Fahrenheit or for longer than 10 minutes, or else it is no longer considered light roast. 

Caffeine 
It is a common misconception that darker roasts have higher caffeine levels.

Lighter roasts have more caffeine than darker roasts; but the amount of caffeine in lighter roasts is only slightly higher than darker roasts, to the point that it is almost negligible. Despite this fact, it is fairly common for cups of coffee made from lighter roasts to be stronger for a more practical reason. 

When someone measures out coffee beans or grounds made from a light roast, they are technically getting more coffee (and thus more caffeine) than someone with a dark roast. The reason for this is because darker roasted beans are expanded by the increased roasting time and higher temperature; this expansion causes them to be puffed up with air. Therefore, a cup of dark roast coffee beans will weigh less than a cup of light roast coffee; in turn, this means the light roast will have more beans and thus more caffeine.

Flavor
Coffee made from light roast beans has a lighter, more delicate flavor. Light roast coffees are often thinner because the beans are not as roasted; when beans are roasted at a higher temperature for a long period, it results in the secretion of coffee bean oils that makes for a thicker coffee. Light roast coffees may be described as being more acidic, crisper, and with a brighter taste profile. 

Coffee made from darker roast beans  has a deeper, simpler flavor. Coffee made from dark roasts will be thicker due to the aforementioned natural oils. The flavor profile of dark roasts may be described as being deep, nutty, bold, and even chocolate-like in some cases. Dark roasts may also be more bitter. 

Which is Better?
When it comes to light roast vs. dark roast, it really all comes down to personal preference. If you prefer your coffee to be lighter and have a brighter, more acidic taste, then a light roast might be best; if you prefer deeper, simpler and more robust flavors, then dark roast is a great choice.

If you are searching for a rich and freshly brewed cup of coffee, Pocono Dessert Co. is ready to serve you, hot, cold, to go, or to sit and sip, Pocono Dessert Co. brews their coffee from locally sourced coffee beans, which have a unique and sharp flavor! Visit our shop today and check out more about our coffee here.