What Causes the ‘Flavor’ of Different Types of Coffee?

Imagine coffee beans are like tiny rocks. When you roast them, it's like heating those rocks in a big oven. Light roasts stay more like the original rock, they taste brighter and fruitier. Dark roasts are like rocks that have been cooked longer, they taste richer and smokier.

Why does this matter? Different beans also come from different places, so they already taste slightly different before even being roasted. That’s why some coffees feel more like chocolate or nuts, while others feel like berries or citrus.

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Examples

  1. A light roast coffee might taste like fresh strawberries and cream.
  2. A dark roast could feel more like a rich chocolate cake with a hint of smoke.
  3. Coffee beans grown in Africa can sometimes taste more fruity than those from South America.

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