The roasting process changes fresh coffee beans into the aromatic and appetizing coffee you grind and make every day. The most common words used to describe coffee roast profiles are light, medium, and dark. Do you know what flavors and attributes to expect from each one?
This guide will focus on medium roast coffee and why it is a popular and delicious choice adored by coffee drinkers everywhere.
Medium roast coffee
Heat is what makes coffee roasting possible, and the resulting chemical changes are responsible for the delicious flavors and aromas that make coffee so special. At around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, water inside the green beans turns to steam and makes the beans expand and burst open.
If you want a light roast coffee, it should be done at this point, or first crack. If you want a medium or dark roast coffee, it should continue to roast and react between 410 and 440 degrees Fahrenheit.
At around 430 to 440 degrees Fahrenheit, coffee beans undergo a chemical process called Pyrolysis, which causes the release of carbon dioxide and a second crack, which gives medium roast beans their deep color and dark roast beans an oily sheen.
Medium coffee origin
We’re currently living in a new coffee world. “Specialty Coffee” shops are popping up everywhere, serving up small batches of freshly roasted beans.
The change in coffee culture can be thanked for improvements in coffee science and technology. The quality of coffee has improved due to better farming practices, and the roasting process has also improved in order to do justice to the beans.
The roasting style now known as medium roast was the first style of roasting that was designed to be tasted. We were able to taste the natural characteristics of the coffee bean without the burnt flavor by not roasting it so dark.
While dark roast coffee remained the old standby, this new style of roasting became very popular in coffee shops around the globe. Finally, roasting styles became lighter, to the now familiar light roast.
The primary aim of many specialty coffee shops is to showcase medium to light roast coffees in order to highlight the potential for subtle, natural flavors.
In these settings, medium roast coffee is a good choice for people who usually drink dark roast coffee. It has familiar dark roast flavors, but also exciting notes of fruits, nuts and grains.
Medium roast coffee characteristics
Medium roast coffee is a type of coffee that is roasted for a longer period of time than light roast coffee, but for a shorter period of time than dark roast coffee. This type of coffee is sometimes referred to as American roast because of its popularity in the USA. This coffee is roasted until it’s almost at the second crack stage, giving it a deeper brown color than light roast coffee.
The beans retain a matte or unglossy finish. Medium roast coffee has a strong flavor with a moderate amount of acidity and minimal bitterness. Many people find this beer to have a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and fruity flavors.
Medium roast coffee flavors
The phrase “medium roast” might make you think of the story of Goldilocks and the three bears. This is because it is the “just right” roast between light and dark. However, that does not mean that it is simply a blend of light and dark roast.
We suggest that medium roast coffee is like the funky middle child. It is dependable like an older dark roast but playful like a younger light roast.
This coffee has all of the expected flavors, as well as some additional exciting flavors that make it really great.
Sweet
- Oats
- Brown sugar
- Caramel
- Nougat
Nutty
- Almond
- Peanut butter
- Cashew
Fruity
- Citrus
- Berries
- Apple
The body of a medium roast coffee can range from being similar to tea to being very creamy. ##### The acidity in wine can vary from being very subtle to very pronounced, and can make the wine taste juicy or syrupy.
The range of flavors in this coffee is due to its source, making it an interesting and exciting choice. The perfect balance of acid and body for a medium roast is what makes it the best.
Caffeine in medium roast coffee
The reality: light roasts have more caffeine The myth: that medium roast coffee beans have less caffeine. The reality: light roasts have more caffeine.
The truth: caffeine difference between roasts is insignificant.
The amount of caffeine in your coffee depends on how you brew it. More beans = more caffeine. Espresso coffee uses more beans per ounce than other styles of coffee, resulting in a drink that contains more caffeine.
Try adding a shot of espresso to your coffee to boost the caffeine content, or brew it using more coffee beans.
If your coffee has been coming out tasting too sour or too bitter, check out our blog posts for some tips on fixing the problem!
Medium roast coffee acidity content
The acidity in medium roast coffees can vary depending on where the coffee is from. Light roast coffees are less sour/acidic than dark roast coffees.
The diverse flavors present in medium roast coffee make it enjoyable to drink. We sell a dark roast coffee that is naturally low in acidity!
Since cold brew coffee is never heated, the chemical reaction that releases acid from the beans is never triggered, resulting in a coffee that is lower in acid. This brewing method is ideal for coffee drinkers who want a less acidic drink and who prefer medium roast coffee.
Medium roasts coffee pairings
A medium roast coffee is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It’s a comfortable, craveable choice that will satisfy your coffee cravings. It balances out heavy flavors and makes lighter fare more interesting. The coffee will have a caramelly sweetness, a balanced body, and a rounded acidity.
Try pairing medium roast with these foods:
Sweet
- Morning glory muffins
- Almond croissant
- Oatmeal with fresh fruit
- Old-fashioned donuts
Savory
- Quiche
- Cold lunch sandwiches
- Biscuits and gravy
- Bacon and eggs
A splash of cream or steamed milk is also a good choice.
Hot vs iced: What’s better for medium roasts
Medium roast coffee beans are versatile and taste great no matter how they are brewed.
If you’re looking for a cold coffee that is balanced and sweet, medium roast is a good choice. It can also be brewed twice as strong and poured over ice to keep the balance of acidity and fruity flavors.
We think our medium roast coffee tastes best when it is brewed hot using a pour over, chemex, or espresso maker.
Medium vs. light roast
Medium roast coffee beans are roasted for a longer period of time, resulting in a darker bean color. There is no oil on the surface of these beans. You’ll still find hints of fruit, with a little bit of nuttiness and essence of baking spices.
The coffee will have a more well-rounded flavor and be more full-bodied. Medium roast coffee is easy to brew, but it doesn’t have the same exciting flavors as a medium roast.
This coffee is a blend of coffees from Brazil, Ethiopia and Colombia.
Medium vs. dark roast
Dark roast coffee beans are roasted for a longer period of time, resulting in a darker bean color and an oily surface. Flavors tend toward chocolate, caramel, maple and nuts. If you love dark roast coffee, you’ll adore brewing it using an espresso machine, french press, or even a regular coffee maker. The intense flavor of dark roast coffee is perfect for those who enjoy a robust cup of java. It delivers a smooth acidity and bold flavor.
Brewing medium roast coffee
If you want to make the perfect cup of coffee, you have to brew it with the perfect amount of coffee – not too much and not too little.
Kidding! This roast can be brewed like other roasts, as it is simple and versatile. Our medium roast coffee tastes best when brewed using the pour over or Chemex method.
As with any coffee you’re trying to coax into deliciousness, pay attention to the basics:
The grind size you select should be based on the brew method you plan on using.
, but most experts agree that the ideal water temperature is between 195º and 205º F. The recommended water temperature for brewing a successful medium roast is between 195º and 205º F.
Contact time
Brewing the beans for a longer time will result in a more extracted coffee with a different flavor. A pot of coffee takes 6 minutes to brew while an espresso takes 25 seconds.
Freshness
As coffee ages, it oxidizes. Flavors alter considerably after the first few weeks. The fresher the coffee, the better the flavor.
Recommended brewing methods for medium roast coffee
One of the exciting things about medium roast coffee is the fact that it can be brewed using many different methods. Different brewing methods can be used to bring out different flavors in coffees of different roast levels. For example, automatic drip, pour over, French Press, and cold brewing methods can all be used to enhance the flavors of a medium roast coffee.
Kauai coffee medium roast guide
Kauai coffee is a great place to find medium roast 100% Hawaiian coffee. If you love medium roast coffee or want to try something new, Kauai Coffee has an excellent selection.
Our website has a lot of information about the different coffees we have available, and you can order online to have it delivered straight to your door!
Estate roast 100% Hawaiian coffee
Our main coffee is from Hawaii and it tastes great! It also has a wonderful smell. Kauai Coffee Roast is perfect for any time of day, with its bright aroma and light floral notes.
Estate reserve acaia
The Acaia coffee plant is a hybrid of the Typica and Bourbon varieties. It is a coffee plant that originated in Brazil and is closely related to the Mundo Novo coffee plant. Acaia produces a larger bean and fruit.
It has a sweet fragrance with hints of chocolate, caramel, and nut, finishing with bright citrus and sweet tea-rose as it cools when roasted.
The coffee from Kauai Coffee Acaia has flavors of milk chocolate, mocha, and caramel. It is also smooth and frothy. The finish is bright and sweet.
Suggested pairing
Acaia coffee is easy to pair with food because of its chocolate and caramel flavor notes, and bright finish. If you want to start your morning with something sweet, try pairing a cup of freshly brewed Acaia coffee with a dark chocolate croissant.
The texture of the pastry will complement the chocolate and caramel flavors in the coffee. Could there be a more delicious flavor pairing than salted caramel? We think not!
Acaia’s caramel-like flavor pairs well with savory breakfast foods because it provides a contrast between sweet and salty flavors. If you’re looking for a change of pace for your morning hash or home fries, try using taro in place of potatoes for a unique Kauai-flavored dish.
Big Braddah
Big Braddah Coffee is similarly full-bodied and soft-sided to your favorite uncle! This coffee has a rich aroma with hints of sweet fruit. It is a medium roast. This beverage has a balanced acidity, with a soft and syrupy texture.
Drinking Big Braddah is like a warm hug in a mug!
Suggested pairing
Pair Big Braddah with an old-fashioned doughnut or Malasada to amplify the soft, syrupy notes.
Estate reserve Red Catuai
One of the best things about being a coffee drinker is the ability to explore different flavors and textures that can be extracted from a roasted coffee bean. Red Catuai coffee is a type of coffee that was created in Brazil in 1949. It is a cross between the Mundo Novo and Caturra varietals.
Catuai was first brought to the Kauai Coffee Farm in 1987 from Brazil. Of the coffee grown on the Kauai Coffee Farm, today Red and Yellow Catuai make up about 80%, with 5% Red Catuai and nearly 76% Yellow Catuai.
This coffee has a smooth, sweet finish with a hint of cardamom. It is mild to medium-bodied.
Red Catuai specialty peaberries
Looking for something extraordinary? Our Estate Reserve Red Catuai Peaberry coffee beans make a smooth cup of coffee with sweet citrus notes and a buttery mouthfeel, and is available now for a limited time.
Suggested pairing
Red Catuai has chocolatey notes and nutty undertones. You can make the flavor of the coffee more intense by eating chocolate or nutty flavored foods with it, such as chocolate chip muffins or toasty banana nut bread.
For a contrast to the smooth and mellow coffee, try sipping Red Catuai alongside a ripe berry and yogurt parfait.
Roast master’s choice Kope Olenalena
The Hawaiian word for coffee is kope and this brew tastes like paradise. This beer has a smooth, mellow taste with a good body and mouthfeel.
Suggested pairing
Try this coffee with a ginger scone or cinnamon coffee cake for a delicious contrast in flavors.
Roast master’s choice McBryde Estate
If you were to describe a perfect day in Hawaii, you might say that it would include the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and the smell of flowers carried on the wind.
Luscious tropical fruit and chocolate notes abound, with just a hint of floral aroma to brighten the cup. This coffee is the perfect way to enjoy a Hawaiian day, with its luscious tropical fruit and chocolate notes and just a hint of floral aroma to brighten the cup. It is pleasantly sweet with rounding hints of chocolate, nuts, dry berries, and floral notes, just like a gentle Hawaiian breeze.
Suggested pairing
The floral notes in McBryde Estate taste great with citrus. Have a sip of McBryde Estate wine with a lemon cream-filled pastry or orange glazed French toast.