Are you familiar with what contributes to the range of flavors in various kinds of coffee? Certain kinds of coffee display a fruity flavor, while others might exhibit a hint of bitterness. Some may deliver a vibrant experience, while others could have a darker character.
So, what is the prime reason behind it? There are various causes, but one of the prime reasons is how the beans are roasted. The dark and light roasts play a vital role in deciding how the coffee will taste.
Now you might wonder what the difference between light and dark roast coffee is. In this article, you will learn everything about light roast vs. dark roast coffee.
What is Light Roast Coffee?
As indicated by the name, the light roast coffee is roasted less than the dark roast coffee. Because the light coffee beans are roasted for a short period, they have more moisture in them. More moisture also makes the beans denser.
In addition, these beans have a lighter taste because they are roasted at moderate temperatures. Some coffee lovers think that lightly roasted coffee has less amount of caffeine in them compared to dark roast beans.
A few people might be surprised to know that it is not valid. The light roast coffee has similar caffeine content as dark coffee has. However, it has a more fruit-forward flavor. They have a light brown color and a light appearance.
What is Dark Roast Coffee?
In dark roast coffees, the beans go through high temperatures during the roasting process. Therefore, the roasting time is also increased when preparing this type of coffee. Because of the long roasting time, the beans lose more moisture.
The presence of less moisture makes it a less dense drink. The dark roast coffees have a dark brown color. It has a bittersweet taste and an oily surface. If you compare the bitterness level of coffee, you will notice that the dark roast coffee has more bitterness.
The bitter taste of roasted beans is caused by the loss of the origin’s flavours during roasting. Roasting the beans at a high temperature makes them lose their original flavour.
On the other hand, the caffeine content in dark roast coffee is moderate. Therefore, if you want a drink that has a reasonable amount of caffeine and a bitter taste, then you will surely like dark roast coffee.
Do you know that you can roast your beans at home? Check this out: How to Roast Coffee Beans
Difference Between Light Roast and Dark Roast Coffee
Both the dark roast and light roast coffee are pretty different from one another. Here, you will learn the difference that both these types of coffee have.
Taste
When it comes to taste, the dark roast and light roast coffee are both different. The light roast coffee is relatively sweeter than the dark one. It has a tangy taste which is why many coffee lovers prefer it. The scent of this type of coffee is also quite strong.
On the other hand, dark coffee has a bit of a bitter taste. Because of its bitter and strong taste, some people think it carries more caffeine which is untrue. There are various reasons why dark roast coffee is bitter, but one of the top reasons is roasting temperature and time.
Color
Though the color of the light roast coffee and dark roast coffee might seem similar, they are slightly different from one another. The color of a light roast coffee is light brown, while that of the dark roast coffee is dark brown. The color of the coffee also depends on the beans.
If you use a darker bean, then the chances are that you will get a darker coffee. In contrast, lighter beans usually result in a light color coffee. So, in terms of colors, you might not notice any significant difference between the dark roast and light roast coffee.
Density
In case you want a less dense coffee, you should try a dark roast coffee. Dark roast coffee is thicker than many other types of coffee. This high thickness in coffee is also because of the oil present in it.
When roasting the dark roast beans for a longer duration, it produces more oil. Because of this oil, you may observe a shiny layer on the coffee beans after finishing.
On the other hand, light roast coffee is ideal for people who want denser coffee. However, the light roast coffee is not that thick. Also, the oil content in it is less than the dark roast coffee.
Amount of Caffeine
There is a misconception among many coffee lovers about the amount of caffeine present in the light roast coffee and the dark roast coffee. Some coffee lovers believe that the coffee that is roasted less has less caffeine in it, while a few think vice versa.
Well, let me tell you the truth that both types of coffee have the same amount of caffeine in them. If you choose coffee in terms of the amount of caffeine present in them, you can select either light roast or dark roast coffee as per your wish.
Which One is Healthier?
Not only flavor, but many people also drink coffee because of its health benefits. It can help you burn body fat and minimize the calcium in your heart. In addition, it can enhance memory and reduce the chances of diseases.
So, the question arises whether the light roast coffee is more beneficial or the darker one? Well, dark roast coffee does not offer any significant health benefits over the light roast. So, as there is no notable health advantage, you can drink either light roast or dark roast coffee as per your preference.
Conclusion
The light roast and dark roast coffee are different in taste, color, and caffeine content. Both these types of coffee are worth trying, but everyone has their own choices.
Therefore, as per your desire, you can select any coffee you want. However, if you want a full-bodied beverage with a more straightforward taste, you will love drinking the dark roast coffee, while for a sweeter taste, the light roast coffee is suitable.
