It’s one of the most popular options in the coffee world, but what is medium roast coffee exactly? The simple answer is beans that are generally roasted midway between first and second crack. This results in a versatile, balanced flavour profile that is a favourite among coffee enthusiasts.
We’re dedicating this guide to answering everything you need to know about medium roast coffee. We’ll explain the roasting process, the caffeine content of medium roast beans, flavour profile, and the best way to prepare medium roast.
Quick Guide to Medium Roast Coffee
- Medium roast coffee is known for its subtle, balanced flavour profile
- Medium roast coffees often have a versatile, slightly caramelised flavour
- The caffeine content in medium roast coffee is similar to dark and light roast coffees
- Medium roast’s versatility makes it delicious no matter the brewing method
- Medium roast beans are generally roasted until midway between the first and second crack
- Medium roast beans have a medium brown colour and a very slight oily sheen
- Bean type and brewing method affect the exact caffeine content in medium roast coffee
- The best medium roast coffee will have a balanced flavour and delightful aroma
What Does Medium Roast Coffee Taste Like?
Medium roast coffee strikes an excellent balance between the robust flavours of dark roast and the lively flavours of light roasts. If you want the most versatile coffee bean, look no further than a good medium roast.
Medium roast beans also make an excellent option for coffee newbies. With an approachable flavour and great balance, medium roast is a delicious way to step into the coffee world!
Aroma and Flavour Notes of Medium Roast
Here are some of the characteristics and flavour notes commonly used when describing medium roast coffee:
- Balanced and well-rounded
- Slightly caramelised
- Subtle, pleasant sweetness
- Smooth body
- Complex
- Hint of chocolate
- Versatile
- Mellow
- Subtle fruity notes
- A hint of nuttiness
- Subtle essence of baking spices
How Much Caffeine Is in Medium Roast Coffee?
Medium roast coffee generally has a moderate caffeine content and is surprisingly similar to the caffeine content in both dark and light roasts.
The caffeine content in medium roast can be slightly lower or higher depending on the brewing method and bean type.
If you’re looking for a moderate caffeine boost, medium roast arabica coffee beans are a great option. If a full-powered burst of caffeine is what you need, we recommend an espresso featuring Robusta beans.
How to Brew Medium Roast Coffee for the Best Flavour
Medium roast coffee is incredibly versatile. It lends itself well to any brewing method, including pour over, drip method, or espresso.
Our go-to brewing method for medium roast beans is espresso. We find that this results in a dependable flavour result that lets the bean’s flavour stand out.
How Does Medium Roast Compare to Dark Roast and Light Roast Coffee?
Medium Roast Coffee vs. Light Roast vs. Dark Roast
| Attribute |
Light Roast |
Medium Roast |
Dark Roast |
|---|---|---|---|
Roast Method |
Shorter roast times at lower end temperatures | Roasted to between first and second crack | Longest roasting process; higher roast temperatures |
Taste, Description, and Flavour Notes |
Delicate, complex, crisp, fruity | Subtle and balanced, complex, slightly carmelised, versatile | Deep, robust, straightforward, bold, smoky, nutty, chocolaty |
Recommended Brewing Method |
Pour over or filter method | Pour over, filter method, or espresso | Espressos are where dark roasts shine! |
Bean Appearance |
Light brown; no oil on surface | Medium brown colour; slightly oily sheen | Deep brown colour; distinctive oily sheen on surface |
Acidity |
Higher acidity | Moderately acidic | Lower acidity |
FAQs
What is the difference between dark and medium roast coffee?
Medium roast beans are roasted until they reach the in-between stage of the first and second crack. This creates a bean that has an ever-so-slightly oily surface and a moderate brown appearance. A good deal of the original flavour is maintained, creating a balanced-bodied brew. Expect a hint of caramelisation, subtle sweetness, and a great balance.
Dark roast beans involve the longest roasting process. A longer roast results in full-bodied beans that are lower in acidity and bursting with robust flavour.
Read our guide on what is dark roast coffee to learn more about the differences: What Is Dark Roast Coffee | A Roaster's Guide.
What is the difference between light and medium roast coffee?
Medium roast coffees feature beans that are roasted for slightly longer and at higher end temperatures than light roasts. This makes medium roast beans a little more well-bodied and slightly caramelised compared to light roasts.
Light roast beans are roasted for less time at lower temperatures, usually until just after the first crack. Decreased roasting times result in beans with more of their initial flavour profile. This shorter roast process creates interesting, unexpected flavour notes that can range from fruity to floral.
Is medium roast coffee acidic?
Medium roast coffee is considered mildly acidic. Medium roast beans fall in between light and dark roasts in terms of acidity. This provides a good balance if you are sensitive to acidity. If you need the lowest acidity option, we recommend dark roast beans.
Is medium roast coffee good for you?
Yes, medium roast coffee may be a healthy option. With shorter roast times, medium roast beans tend to retain more antioxidants than dark roasts.
Ready to Try the Best Medium Roast Coffee in Perth?
Still wondering, “What does medium roast mean?”. Our coffee enthusiasts at Coffee Beans Perth would love to answer any other questions you have. We are happy to discuss coffee any chance we get!
Looking for personalised advice on whether you’d like light, medium, or dark roast best? We’d be happy to give you recommendations on the roast type you’d enjoy most.
Or, browse our range of coffee beans online to see which flavour stands out to you.
We’ve compiled a list of the best roasters in Perth to help make finding good coffee simple.