What happens during roasting
Green coffee is dense and tastes grassy. In a roaster it dries, turns yellow, then brown, and starts to crack audibly. The first crack is when the beans expand and release steam. Roasters use color, temperature and time to decide when to stop.
The three main roast levels
| Roast | What you taste | Body | Acidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Floral, citrus, berry, tea-like | Light | High and bright |
| Medium | Caramel, cocoa, nuts, stone fruit | Medium | Balanced |
| Dark | Dark chocolate, toasted, smoky | Heavy | Low |
Light roasts keep more of the coffee's origin character, and dark roasts show more of the roasting process. The oily surface on dark roasts is coffee oil that has moved to the outside of the bean.
Does roast affect caffeine?
Only slightly. Caffeine is stable during roasting, and the difference in a cup is small. If you measure by scoop rather than weight, the result depends on how dense the beans are, so weighing is more consistent. Read the ratio guide for how to measure.
Which roast should you choose?
- For pour-over: light to medium, especially washed coffees. Try Kenya Nyeri.
- For espresso and milk drinks: medium to medium-dark for sweetness and body.
- For French press or cold brew: medium to dark, for a rich cup.
- If you like bright, fruity coffee: light.
- If you like bittersweet, classic coffee: medium-dark.
Every Avion bag shows a five-dot roast scale, so you can see where a coffee sits before you buy. Explore the shop to compare.
Roast names can be confusing
Names such as city roast, full city or French roast are not standardized, and different roasters use them differently. It is more reliable to look at descriptions and tasting notes, or at a roast scale on the bag.
A good roast for beginners
If you are new to specialty coffee, a medium roast is a comfortable start. It keeps some fruit and sweetness without being sharp, and it works with almost every brew method.
Common questions
Is dark roast stronger than light roast?
Not in the way people mean. Strength depends on how much coffee you use. Dark roast tastes bolder and more bitter, but a light roast made at the same ratio is as strong in the cup.
Why are dark roast beans oily?
The oils move to the surface as beans are roasted longer and their structure breaks down. The oil is coffee's own, and it can turn rancid if the beans are stored for too long.
Which roast is best for cold brew?
Medium and medium-dark roasts give a chocolatey, smooth result. Light roasts make a fruity, juicy cold brew.
