Coffee is unanimously the drink of choice when it comes to morning beverages. If you’re like us, you can’t start your day until you’ve had your coffee. Though most of us love and would go to great lengths for that first morning cuppa, some of us still aren’t clued up on the varieties of coffee, and how they differ from one another. That’s what we’re getting into today!

One of the most common ways to differentiate coffee is by the roast level. There are two primary roast levels: light and dark. While both types of coffee are made from the same beans, they have distinct differences in taste, aroma, and caffeine content, due to how they are roasted.

Light roast coffee

Light roast coffee is roasted for a shorter time than dark roast coffee. This means that the beans are lighter in colour and have a more subtle flavour profile.

Light roast coffee is known for its bright, fruity, and acidic taste, with hints of floral and citrus notes. Surprisingly, light roast coffee typically has a higher caffeine content than dark roast coffee, as the longer roasting time can break down some of the caffeine molecules.

So, when you’re looking for something less acidic with less caffeine, you should actually be opting for a dark roast!

Dark roast coffee

Dark roast coffee, on the other hand, is roasted for a longer time, resulting in a darker bean colour and a more robust flavour.

The taste of dark roast coffee is often described as smoky, chocolatey, and nutty, with a low acidity level. The roasting process for dark roast coffee caramelizes the natural sugars in the beans, resulting in a sweet, slightly bitter flavour. Dark roast coffee has a lower caffeine content than light roast coffee due to the longer roasting time.

Differences in aroma

In terms of aroma, light roast coffee tends to have a more delicate scent, with floral and fruity notes. Dark roast coffee has a stronger aroma, with notes of caramel and chocolate, and a smoky finish. When it comes to texture, light roast coffee is typically lighter-bodied and more tea-like, while dark roast coffee has a heavier, more syrupy texture.

So, which one is better: light or dark roast coffee? Well, that’s all up to you. It all comes down to preference. If you enjoy a bright, fruity coffee with a higher caffeine content, then light roast coffee is the way to go. If you prefer a stronger, smoky coffee with a lower caffeine content, then dark roast coffee is the better choice. Additionally, the type of coffee brewing method can also influence the taste and texture of the coffee.

It’s a good idea to explore different coffees, and different roasts. Most roasters will offer both light and dark roasts, and some will even offer a ‘medium’ blend which falls somewhere between the two. It takes some experimenting to find the coffee you like, but it’s worth it for the perfect cup of java!

Written by Savanna Douglas for Woman&Home

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