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Roast type: Medium roast
The degree to which coffee beans are roasted can significantly affect their taste and aroma. Among these, medium roast is a very popular roast style, with a good balance of acidity and bitterness. Its moderate flavor, which retains the fruity notes of light roasts but avoids the heavy flavor of dark roasts, makes it an easy choice for many coffee lovers to enjoy on a daily basis. In this article, we will delve into the unique appeal of medium roasts, their flavor characteristics, extraction methods, and how to enjoy them.
What is a medium roast?
A medium roast is one in which the beans swell as they roast and are heated to a degree that allows a slight amount of oil to seep out from the surface. The color is a slightly dark brown, and the beans' sweetness, acidity, and bitterness are brought out in a balanced way . This roast level is also known as American roast or city roast, and is popular with a wide range of drinkers.
Medium roasts are roasted for a medium time, which allows heat to penetrate evenly to the inside of the beans while preventing the surface from burning. This allows you to enjoy both the beans' original flavor and the richness brought out by the roasting. The appeal of medium roasts is that their delicate yet powerful taste suits any mood or occasion.
Medium roast is also ideal for those who want to fully enjoy the aroma of coffee. The sweet and fragrant aroma of nuts and caramel that is created by the roasting process rises from the moment hot water is poured over the coffee, stimulating all five senses.
Taste characteristics
Medium roast coffee is characterized by a milder acidity and a sweeter, more nutty aroma . It has a smoother mouthfeel than light roasts, but it doesn't have the bitterness or heaviness of dark roasts, making it perfect for those looking for a balanced flavor.
At this roast level, you may also notice a sweetness reminiscent of chocolate or caramel, as well as a hint of spice. Another key point is that the flavor balance remains even after cooling, so you can enjoy consistent deliciousness right down to the last sip. Medium roasts, which combine complexity with ease of drinking, are perfect for a variety of occasions .
Medium roast coffee not only pairs well with food, but is also satisfying when drunk black. A cup that has been carefully brewed over time will have a particularly pronounced aroma and flavor, making it perfect for relaxing.
Extraction method suitable for medium roast
Medium roast coffee is compatible with a variety of brewing methods, making it enjoyable for beginners and advanced coffee drinkers alike. It can be brewed deliciously with paper drip coffee, siphon coffee, and even home espresso machines.
Recommended brewing method:
The water temperature should be around 90-93°C, and medium-fine ground coffee is generally used. By carefully allowing the tea to steep for a long time, the aromatic components are thoroughly extracted, resulting in a richer flavor . The balance of acidity and richness also changes depending on the extraction time, so you can have fun adjusting it to suit your taste.
Additionally, the quality of the water you use will have a big impact on the taste: using medium-soft water rather than hard water will allow you to more clearly taste the flavor of a medium roast.
Foods that go well with it and how to enjoy it
The appeal of medium roast coffee is that it pairs well with a variety of meals and sweets due to its well-balanced flavor. It pairs particularly well with the following foods:
It's also perfect as an after-meal coffee, leaving you feeling satisfied even with the lingering aftertaste . The aroma is also good, making it the perfect morning coffee to wake you up. Its calming flavor also helps you concentrate better during breaks at work or study.
We also recommend enjoying it as iced coffee. The richness and sweetness of the medium roast coffee is easily retained even when chilled, and adding ice keeps the balance. This style is especially useful in the summer.
Experience the deeper taste of medium roast coffee
To fully appreciate the appeal of medium roast coffee, it's important to know how to choose beans and the roasting process. For example, even if they're both medium roasts, there are big differences in aroma, acidity, and richness between beans from Ethiopia and Guatemala. By comparing the unique characteristics of each origin and variety, you'll be able to truly appreciate the depth of medium roasts .
We also recommend participating in cupping sessions and workshops held by coffee stands and roasters. The experience of tasting different roasts and beans while listening to professional commentary will also help you choose the right coffee at home.
Furthermore, to fully enjoy the aroma and lingering finish of medium roast coffee, be mindful of the timing and environment in which you drink it. By savoring a cup of coffee in a quiet moment, such as between books or while listening to music, coffee will stand out as a rich presence that colors your daily life.
In addition, the choice of cup and the feel of the coffee in your mouth are surprisingly important factors. A porcelain cup enhances the aroma and makes the coffee taste smoother. These small details add up to a richer coffee experience.
And by regularly trying beans from new roasters, you can expand the fun of finding your favorite medium roast. Since tastes change little by little, it's important to occasionally try new flavors in addition to your standard brands.
summary
Medium roast coffee is one of the most approachable roasting styles, with an excellent balance of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness . It brings out the individual characteristics of the beans while allowing you to enjoy the roasted aroma, making it a great choice for beginners.
With a wide range of brewing and pairing options, this coffee will enrich your daily coffee time. Please take your time to enjoy the deep flavor of this medium roast.
