Light Roast Coffee 101: Your Go-To Guide

Light roast coffee is a favourite among coffee lovers for its bright flavours and unique characteristics. Whether you're new to light roast or a seasoned coffee drinker looking to expand your palate, this guide will cover everything you need to know, from what light roast coffee is to how to brew it perfectly. 

What is light roast coffee?

Light roast coffee is roasted at a lower temperature and for a shorter time than medium and dark roast coffees. During the roasting process, the internal temperature of the beans reaches 180-200°C. The process preserves the coffee beans' original flavours, allowing the bean's natural characteristics to shine through. Light roasts typically have a lighter body and a more pronounced acidity, offering a more nuanced and vibrant taste profile. 

What is the difference between light roast and dark roast coffee?

The key difference between light and dark roast coffee lies in roasting. Light roast coffee is roasted until the first crack to preserve more of the bean's natural flavours. In coffee roasting, the first crack happens around 196°C when the beans start to open up, making a sound like popcorn. On the other hand, dark roast is roasted at a higher temperature, between 221- 232°C, and for a longer duration, resulting in a more robust and bitter flavour profile with less acidity. 

How To Brew Light Roast Coffee

Brewing light roast coffee requires attention to detail to extract its delicate flavours. Here are some tips to get the best out of your light roast: 

Choose Your Favourite Coffee

Pre-ground coffee is ideal for those who want to enjoy a quick and easy brewing experience. For those who want to truly experience the full spectrum of flavours that light roast coffee has to offer, whole beans are the way to go. Grinding your coffee just before brewing preserves maximum freshness as the beans retain their oils and aromas. 

Heat the Water

Water temperature is a key factor in brewing coffee, especially when dealing with light roasts. The ideal water temperature range for brewing light roast coffee is between 90°C and 96°C. Using water in this range allows you to extract all of the flavours without scorching the beans. 

Brew Time

Light roast coffee beans are less porous than their darker counterparts and benefit from a slightly longer brewing time. This extended time allows the water to fully penetrate the coffee grounds and extract the subtle and complex flavours that light roast is known for. Depending on the brewing method, you might want to extend the brew time by 10-30 seconds compared to what you would use for darker roasts. 

Explore more brewing tips and methods in our brewing guide. 

Does light roast coffee have more caffeine?

Contrary to popular belief, light roast coffee contains slightly more caffeine than dark roast coffee. The higher level of caffeine is because the caffeine is broken down during the roasting process, and since light roast beans are roasted for a shorter period, they retain more of their caffeine content. 

What does light roast coffee taste like?

Light roast coffee is known for its bright, fruity, and floral flavours. Unlike dark roasts, which have a more uniform taste due to the roasting process, light roasts allow the distinct flavours of the bean's origins to stand out. You may notice hints of citrus, berries, and even floral notes, making each cup a unique experience. 

Why is light roast coffee more acidic?

Light roast coffee is more acidic because the roasting process preserves the acids naturally present in the coffee beans. These acids contribute to the coffee's bright and vibrant flavours, which are characteristic of light roast. While some may find the acidity refreshing, others prefer to balance it with the right pairing or brewing technique. 

What To Pair With Light Roast Coffee

Light roast coffee's delicate and vibrant flavours pair well with various foods. 

Consider enjoying your light roast with the following:

• Fruit-based desserts like citrus tarts or berry muffins
• Breakfast pastries like croissants or scones
• Soft cheeses like brie or camembert