Ciao, amici! Picture this: I’m at a bustling street café in Naples, the sun’s shining, and the barista just gave me a wink—classic. As I sip on my espresso, watching the bustling piazza, I can’t help but marvel at the journey these beans have taken to get here. Today, let’s dive into the world of coffee roasting as we explore different roast levels, types of roasters, and how these choices can turn your morning brew from “meh” to “mamma mia!”

In Naples, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a full-blown experience. Whether it’s the robust espresso that packs a punch or the cappuccino that’s as fluffy as a Neapolitan cloud, there’s something magical about how the beans are roasted. So let’s break down the roast levels, and the equipment used to coax those flavours out of your beans.

Types of Coffee Roasters: The Behind-the-Scenes Stars

Before we dive into the roast levels, let’s meet the coffee roasting equipment—the unsung heroes who turn green beans into your daily cup of joy.

1. Drum Roasters: The nonnas of the coffee roasting world: classic…and round. Drum roasters gently heat the beans using direct heat. The beans are placed in a drum (go figure), and are constantly “stirred” while being heated. Just like nonna does while cooking her famous pasta sauce. This method is slower and the roast time varies depending on the degree of roasting to be achieved. This type of roasting results in a more full-bodied taste and preserves a lot of the natural flavors of the coffee.  But unlike nonna, there’s less chance of having a slipper thrown at you by a drum roaster.
2. Fluid Bed Roasters: This method takes the coffee beans on a wild ride while floating in air. Fans are used to blow hot air up at the beans. This lifts the coffee beans up on a cushion of hot air, giving them a gentle, even roast. It’s like the beans are on a breezy, weightless journey, floating and tumbling gracefully in the air. It creates an extremely quick and even roast ensuring every bean is roasted to the exact roast level desired. Also not likely to throw a slipper at you.

Now, let’s dive into the roast levels, each with its own unique flavor profile and personality.

Light Roast

Color: Light brown, no oil on the surface
Names: Cinnamon, New England, Light City
Flavor: Bright, acidic, with pronounced fruity or floral notes

Light roasts are like the morning people of the coffee world—bright, cheerful, even though it’s not even 7 AM. They highlight the bean’s natural flavors, with zesty acidity and fruity or floral notes. Perfect for those who like their coffee to wake them up with a cheery “Buongiorno!” even if you’re more of a “don’t talk to me until my second cup” person.

Medium Roast

Color: Medium brown, little to no oil on the surface
Names: American, City, Breakfast
Flavor: Balanced, rich, with caramel, nutty, or chocolatey notes

Medium roasts are the social butterflies—balanced, approachable, and a crowd favorite. They offer a perfect blend of bright and rich flavors, like caramel and chocolate. It’s like that friend who can mingle with anyone at a party, always bringing out the best in everyone. If coffee had a zodiac sign, medium roast would be a Libra—charming and well-balanced.

Medium-Dark Roast

Color: Rich, dark brown, slight sheen of oil on the surface
Names: Full City, Viennese, Continental
Flavor: Full-bodied, rich, with deeper caramel, chocolate, and smoky notes

Medium-dark roasts are the sophisticated world travelers of the coffee universe—full-bodied, complex, and a little mysterious. They offer deeper flavors, with hints of caramel, dark chocolate, and a smoky allure. Perfect for when you want a coffee that’s as deep and thoughtful as a late-night philosophical debate. It’s like wearing a beret and discussing existentialism, but with coffee.

Dark Roast

Color: Very dark brown to black, oily surface
Names: French, Italian, Espresso
Flavor: Bold, smoky, bittersweet, with low acidity

Dark roasts are the bad boys of the coffee world—intense, bold, and unapologetically dark. The long roasting process brings out smoky, sometimes bittersweet flavors, perfect for those who like their coffee with a side of drama. If your idea of a good time involves moody lighting and deep conversations about the meaning of life, dark roast is your caffeinated soulmate.

Why Does Freshness Matter?

Ah, the freshness conundrum—it’s like choosing between a fresh pizza and one that’s been reheated in the microwave – it’s still pizza but I mean…the choice is clear. After roasting, coffee beans start to release carbon dioxide, a process known as “degassing.” As the beans lose CO2, it is replaced in the bean by oxygen. Which causes oxidation of the beans and oxidation means stale beans. This is where coffee beans start to lose their vibrant flavors and aromas. So your much anticipated morning cup goes from “buongiorno!” to “meh”.

To keep your coffee as fresh and exciting as a first date, enjoy your beans within 3 to 4 weeks of roasting. This is why PÜRK coffee, shipped the same day it’s roasted, ensures you’re getting the freshest beans possible. Store them in an airtight container away from light and heat, and you’ll keep the romance alive in every cup.

Conclusion: The Roaster’s Craft and La Dolce Vita

As I sit here in this bustling Neapolitan café, sipping my perfectly roasted coffee, I’m reminded that coffee roasting is both an art and a comedy, full of delightful surprises and charming characters. The choice of roast level can transform a humble coffee bean into a world of flavors, each sip offering a new adventure. Whether you’re a fan of the bright cheerfulness of a light roast, the balanced charm of a medium roast, or the bold intensity of a dark roast, there’s a coffee out there to tickle your taste buds and make you smile.

So, the next time you’re selecting your coffee beans, think about the roast level and what it brings to your cup. After all, life is too short for bland coffee and dull moments. Whether you’re enjoying a quick espresso on the go or savoring a leisurely cappuccino, every cup of coffee is an opportunity to indulge in life’s pleasures, one delicious sip at a time.

Buon caffè! Feel free to share your favorite roast levels and coffee adventures in the comments. Cin cin!