1. What is Coffee Roasting?

Roasting transforms green coffee beans into the aromatic and flavorful brew we enjoy. The roasting process involves heating the beans at precise temperatures and times, which alters their chemical composition, resulting in different flavors, aromas, and textures.

• The Role of Heat: Heat develops the coffee bean’s natural sugars, oils, and acids, determining the final flavor. The longer and hotter the roast, the more the natural flavors of the bean are masked by roasted characteristics.

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2. Understanding Roast Levels: From Light to Dark

While coffee comes in various roast levels, from light to dark, each level brings a unique profile. Here’s a quick overview:

• Light Roast: Retains most of the bean’s natural characteristics, with high acidity and floral, fruity notes.
 
• Medium Roast: A balance between the natural flavors of the bean and roasted nuances, offering smooth, well-rounded flavors.
 
• Medium Light Roast: Close to light roast but slightly more developed, providing a touch of sweetness while maintaining bright acidity.
 
• Dark Roast: Bold, robust, and smoky, with most of the bean’s original flavors masked by roasted flavors.

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3. The Unique Profiles of Medium and Medium Light Roasts

At 9AM Brew Coffee, we focus on medium and medium light roasts, which cater to a wide range of taste preferences.

• Medium Light Roast: This roast preserves much of the bean’s original character, offering bright acidity, light body, and flavors like citrus, fruit, or floral notes. Ideal for those who enjoy a more vibrant and lively cup.
 
• Medium Roast: Known for its balance, medium roast has a smoother body with richer, more developed flavors such as caramel, nuts, or mild chocolate. It provides a harmonious taste that’s easy to enjoy at any time of day.

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4. How Roast Levels Influence Flavor

Roasting affects the bean’s complexity, sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. Here’s how medium and medium light roasts compare:

• Acidity: Medium light roasts have a more pronounced acidity, giving the coffee a bright, tangy flavor, whereas medium roasts offer a smoother, more subdued acidity.
 
• Body: Medium roasts have a fuller body, giving the coffee a richer texture, while medium light roasts are lighter on the palate.
 
• Flavor Notes: Medium light roasts tend to highlight the bean’s natural fruity or floral notes, while medium roasts introduce caramelized and nutty tones.

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5. Choosing the Right Roast for You

Whether you’re new to coffee or a seasoned drinker, choosing between medium and medium light roast can depend on your taste preferences:

• For a Lighter, Brighter Cup: Medium light roasts are perfect for those who love the lively flavors of citrus, fruit, or floral aromas in their coffee.
 
• For a Balanced, Smooth Brew: Medium roasts are ideal for those who prefer a rounded cup with subtle sweetness and hints of caramel or nuts.

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6. Brewing Tips for Medium and Medium Light Roasts

For Medium Light Roast:

• Grind Size: Use a fine grind to ensure proper extraction. The finer the grind, the more contact the water has with the coffee, extracting those fruity and floral notes that medium light roasts are known for.
 
• Water Temperature: Set the water temperature between 92-94°C. Lower temperatures will preserve the bright acidity and vibrant flavors.
 
• Extraction Time: Aim for an extraction time of around 25-28 seconds. A shorter extraction helps maintain the light, delicate notes without over-extracting the coffee.
 
• Tasting Notes: Expect a lighter-bodied espresso with a bright, clean finish, showcasing citrus or fruity flavors.

For Medium Roast:

• Grind Size: Use a fine grind, slightly coarser than medium light, to enhance the smooth, balanced body of the medium roast.
 
• Water Temperature: Set the water temperature between 93-96°C. The higher temperature extracts more of the caramel and nutty flavors characteristic of medium roasts.
 
• Extraction Time: Aim for a slightly longer extraction, around 28-30 seconds, to develop the rich, well-rounded flavor profile.
 
• Tasting Notes: Expect a fuller-bodied espresso with a smoother mouthfeel, featuring caramel, nutty, or chocolate undertones.

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Roasting is an essential part of what makes coffee so diverse and delightful. Whether you prefer the vibrant brightness of a medium light roast or the smooth richness of a medium roast, we invite you to explore the world of coffee with us.