Ever wonder how your coffee beans go from a humble green seed to the dark, aromatic beans that fuel your mornings? The secret lies in roasting—a delicate process that transforms raw beans into the bold brew you know and love. Here at 1775 Coffee, we believe in roasting with precision and care, ensuring every cup delivers the full spectrum of flavor and aroma.
Let’s break down the roasting process and explore why it’s such an important part of what makes 1775 Coffee exceptional.
The Roasting Stages: A Quick Breakdown
Roasting coffee is both an art and a science, and the key is understanding how different temperatures and times bring out the best in each bean. Here's a quick rundown of the stages involved:
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Drying Stage
Green coffee beans are full of moisture, and the first step in roasting is drying them out. At around 200-250°F, the beans begin to lose water content, preparing them for the real transformation. -
Browning Stage
As the temperature rises to about 300°F, the beans start to brown. This stage is where Maillard reaction kicks in—this is the same process that browns a steak or bread crust, and it’s what begins to develop those complex, rich flavors. During this phase, the beans start to smell like toasted bread or grains. -
First Crack: The Turning Point
When the beans hit about 390-410°F, they’ll reach a pivotal moment: the first crack. This is exactly what it sounds like—the beans make a cracking sound as they release steam and expand. At this point, your beans have officially moved from “raw” to “roasted,” and lighter roast coffees can be finished here. -
The Development Phase
After the first crack, the beans continue to develop flavor. This is where roast profiles start to differ. Lighter roasts are pulled from the heat soon after the first crack, while medium and dark roasts stay longer to deepen their flavors. 1775 Coffee carefully monitors this stage, roasting beans to the exact profile needed for the perfect balance of boldness and nuance. -
Second Crack (Optional)
For darker roasts, beans will go through a second crack at around 450°F. The oils in the bean start to rise to the surface, creating that glossy look you might recognize in darker roast beans. This is where the deep, smoky flavors develop, perfect for those who love a bolder brew.
Why Roasting Matters
The roasting process is the key to unlocking the complex flavors trapped inside each bean. Done right, it brings out the unique characteristics of each origin—whether it’s the fruity brightness of a light roast or the chocolatey richness of a dark roast. But there’s a delicate balance: roast too long, and you can burn away the nuanced flavors. Roast too little, and you’re left with underdeveloped beans that don’t do justice to their potential.
At 1775 Coffee, we roast in small batches, using precise techniques to ensure every batch hits the mark. Our beans are roasted just long enough to bring out the natural complexity, without losing the boldness and intensity that define our coffee.
Light, Medium, or Dark: What’s Your Preference?
- Light Roast: Known for its high acidity and bright flavors, light roast coffee is typically more fruity or floral. It’s pulled shortly after the first crack, and the beans remain a lighter brown color with no visible oils.
- Medium Roast: Striking a balance between brightness and body, medium roast coffee has deeper caramel or chocolate notes without the smoky characteristics of darker roasts. These beans roast a little longer and have a more developed sweetness.
- Dark Roast: For those who love bold, intense flavors, dark roast coffee is where it’s at. The beans are roasted past the second crack, developing smoky, chocolatey, or even slightly bitter notes. The oils rise to the surface, giving the beans a darker, shinier appearance.
Why 1775 Coffee’s Roasting Process Stands Out
At 1775 Coffee, we don’t just roast beans—we craft them. Each batch is tailored to bring out the best in every bean, respecting its origin while creating a consistent, bold experience in every cup. Whether you prefer light and bright or dark and bold, we’ve got you covered with coffee that’s roasted to perfection.
Next time you sip on a cup of 1775 Coffee, remember: it’s not just coffee. It’s the result of a carefully honed process that brings out the best in every bean—because you deserve nothing less.