Roasting Levels in Coffee

Coffee is like a work of art: every stroke, every nuance, and every detail makes a difference in the final result. And in that work, roasting is the decisive moment.

This is where the green bean is transformed into the aromatic seed that will give life to your drink.

At Café La Manchuria, we roast each batch with the precision of a master artisan, seeking to highlight the best qualities of each variety and process. Today we'll tell you about roasting levels, their characteristics, and how they influence the cup.

WHAT IS ROASTING?

Roasting is the process of applying heat to green beans to develop their aromas, flavors, and texture.

During this process, the grain loses moisture, changes color, swells, and develops unique aromatic compounds.

Each roasting level brings out different characteristics from the bean: some highlight acidity and freshness; others, sweetness and body; and the darkest, toasted and intense notes.
In the coffee world, roasting levels are usually classified as light, medium, and dark roasts, although there are nuances within each category.

Light toast

Color: Light brown.
Cup characteristics: Higher acidity, more fruity and floral flavors, brighter profile.
Common notes: Citrus, red fruits, flowers.
Recommended uses: Filtered methods (pour over, Chemex, Aeropress).
Advantage: It preserves the original characteristics of the origin and variety to the maximum extent possible.

Medium roast

Color: Medium brown.
Cup characteristics: Balance between acidity, sweetness and body.
Common notes: Chocolate, nuts, caramel, ripe fruits.
Recommended uses: Works well for both filter and espresso.
Advantage: Versatile and balanced, perfect for daily consumption with nuances.

Dark roast

Color: Dark brown, sometimes with visible oils on the surface.
Cup characteristics: Low acidity, intense and toasted flavors, full body.
Common notes: Bitter chocolate, cocoa, spices, smoke.
Recommended uses: Espresso, Italian mocha, preparations with milk.
Advantage: Power and strength in every sip, ideal for those looking for a robust coffee.

Roasting isn't just a technical step: it's the moment when the bean's potential is revealed. That's why at Café La Manchuria, we treat it as what it is: an art that requires precision, knowledge, and passion.

The key is to respect what the bean has to offer and decide, with experience and sensitivity, the roast level that best tells its story.