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2025.08.04

The appeal of light roast coffee

浅煎りコーヒーの魅力

The appeal of light roast coffee

- A new coffee experience that lets you enjoy the original characteristics of the beans -

Although we refer to it as coffee, its taste and aroma change significantly depending on the degree of roasting. Light roast coffee has been gaining attention in recent years. Unlike the traditional Japanese coffee culture where dark roasts were the norm, light roasts are highly regarded in the world of specialty coffee as a style that brings out the fruitiness and refreshing acidity of the beans. Here we will introduce the appeal of light roast coffee from various angles.


What is light roast?

Light roast coffee is coffee that has been roasted for a short time and has a light brown color. In terms of roast level, it is often classified as a light roast or medium roast, and is characterized by a strong acidity and fruity aroma.

The great appeal of light roasts is that they allow you to taste the original characteristics of the beans directly, rather than emphasizing the bitterness and richness that dark roasts do.


The appeal of light roast coffee

1. Fruity flavor

Light roasts allow you to fully enjoy the natural acidity and fruitiness of the beans, with a wide range of flavors, such as berries, citrus, and tropical fruits, almost like wine.

2. The individuality of the beans stands out

The appeal of light roasting is that it allows you to taste the differences between different origins and varieties more clearly. For example, Ethiopian coffee will have a gorgeous aroma and bright acidity, while Kenyan coffee will have a fresh citrus impression, allowing the beans' character to be fully expressed.

3. Light and smooth taste

Light roasts have a milder bitterness than dark roasts and a lighter mouthfeel. They go down smoothly even when drunk black, and have a clean aftertaste. Even those who aren't used to drinking coffee regularly can easily enjoy this flavor.

4. Pairs well with meals and sweets

This light roast coffee has a fruity and refreshing taste that pairs exceptionally well with fruit-based sweets and sour desserts. It also pairs well with Japanese sweets, and is gaining attention as a pairing that brings out the sweetness of yokan and nerikiri.


How to enjoy light roast coffee

In black

Start by drinking it straight. This will allow you to experience the unique characteristics and acidity of the beans. Using a paper drip or French press will bring out the flavor more clearly.

With iced coffee

The refreshing acidity harmonizes with the cold, making it the perfect drink for summer. Iced coffee made with lightly roasted beans is not heavy and is appealing, making it easy to drink.

Food pairing

The flavor is further enhanced when paired with sweets that have a balanced balance of sourness and sweetness, such as cheesecake or citrus tart.


Summary: Light roast coffee opens up a new world

Light roast coffee overturns the conventional image of being mainly bitter, and conveys new appeal such as fruitiness, acidity, and clarity . Light roast, which allows you to fully enjoy the original characteristics of the beans, can be said to be a symbol of specialty coffee culture.

Whether at home or at a cafe, once you try light roast coffee, you'll be amazed at its rich flavor. If you haven't tried it yet, be sure to give it a try.


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