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What's In A Roast?

Oct 27, 2000 - © Katherine Austinson

Knowing a great cup of coffee when you taste one is a quintessential part of a coffee connoisseur’s existence.

We know that the flavor, aroma and strength of the brew is determined by the type of grind, the quality of the brewing process, the ratio of coffee to water during brewing and even before that, the quality of the bean, the blend, and the roasting process.

Coffee beans are roasted to develop flavor and aroma. The degree of roasting determines the mellowness, richness and bitterness of the brew.

Light or cinnamon roasting creates a light brown dry bean with a delicate flavor and aroma. To many, this coffee is best for drinking at breakfast with milk.

Medium roasting gives a stronger flavor, bringing out the unique characteristics of coffee beans. It produces coffee perfect for drinking at any time of day, with or without milk.

Full roasting produces dark brown beans with an oily surface. The coffee has a stronger flavor with a touch of bitterness and it’s great for drinking black, or with a little cream, after lunch and in the afternoon.

High roast is also known as Double or Continental roast. The beans are shiny, more oily and very black. The coffee has a strong bitterness and is served black after dinner.

Italian roast is also known as Espresso roast. This coffee is dark to the point of carbonization.

Log on to Coffee.com to learn more about the roasting process. The quality and type of roast – it’s a vital part of your favorite cup of coffee.

The copyright of the article What's In A Roast? in Coffee is owned by Katherine Austinson. Permission to republish What's In A Roast? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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