The Best Light Roast Coffee

Buying Guide

If you really love your coffee, you know that not all beans are created equal. The dizzying array of coffee-growing regions can rival the geographic variety of wine grapes, and it seems like baristas are inventing new ways to brew java every other day. But there’s another factor that affects the final taste of that cup, and it might be the biggest: The roast.

We’ve all seen light, medium and dark roast labels on the coffee we buy at the store. They’ve all got their distinct flavor profiles. But among them all, light roast coffee might be the most misunderstood — and have the most potential for “true” coffee flavor.

To understand why, let’s take a quick look at why coffee beans are roasted at all. Raw coffee beans are green and earthy, and any attempts to brew a beverage with them would not be pretty. Roasting them brings about a chemical reaction that changes the color and releases other flavors that are inherent to the specific varietal of bean.

Light-roasted beans are those that are roasted at temperatures up to 401°F. That’s roughly the temperature where heat causes moisture inside the bean to evaporate into steam, bursting it open and resulting in the signature split that we see down the middle. That’s known in coffee circles as the “first crack.”

As coffee beans are roasted past this point, the flavor comes less from the bean and more from the roasting process itself. That’s why — despite what the name might imply — light roasted coffee doesn’t result in a thin, or “lighter” taste. In fact, while the body might be thinner, the flavors will likely be bolder and more complex. Depending on the bean, you can expect floral notes, bursts of fruit and an acidic finish (which can come off as sour if the beans aren’t roasted consistently or correctly). If you really want to taste the “terroir” of a bean, most coffee aficionados will tell you to go with a light roast.

Another big perk is the caffeine jolt. Many drinkers assume that the darker the roast, the bigger the pick-me-up. Actually, the reverse is true. As roasting temperatures increase, some caffeine gets burnt off in the process, making light roast coffee the best choice for morning efficiency.

Within the broad category of “light roast,” there are different classifications to look out for. “Light city” and “half city” beans are roasted the least. So-called “cinnamon” beans are roasted just above that, slightly before the first crack, and the name refers to their color and not their flavor. At Starbucks, you might see this type of beans referred to as “blonde” to alleviate confusion.

• If there’s one appliance you invest in other than a coffee maker, go for a grinder. The extra time you take to grind those beans will pay off in taste. Grinding the beans releases the full flavor in preparation for the brewing process, but the longer they sit idle, the weaker that flavor gets. That’s true even of vaccuum-packed ground coffee. If you can spare an extra minute or two in the morning, the choice is clear: Buy whole beans.
• Coffee harvesting isn’t always the kindest agricultural activity when it comes to the environment, but it doesn’t have to be harmful. If you’re going green, look for a seal from the Rainforest Alliance. This certifies that the coffee was made with water and soil conservation procedures, little to no chemical pesticides and due regard to the welfare of the workers.