One of the less popular coffee roast levels is blonde coffee, as not many people know just how unique a flavor profile it packs. Are you a fan of lighter roasts or looking to expand your palette to the light side of java? You may want to know what is blonde roast coffee and how it adds a new element to your brew.
This is your ultimate guide to the blonde roast—how it is made and what flavor and acidity you can expect. We will also discuss how you can truly enjoy dabbling with light roasts!
What Exactly is Blonde Roast Coffee?
Here is the first thing you need to know: the question ‘what is blonde roast coffee’ is a new curiosity. However, this roast type has been around long before Starbucks made it a point of interest. Some people simply knew it as the lightest roast, whereas others called it the cinnamon roast. The reason is merely because the brew looked brown in the cup rather than walnut or black color.
The term ‘blonde’ came about to put an end to the confusion between light roast and coffee with cinnamon flavor.
What makes a blonde roast distinct? Not the beans, not any special extract. The only thing unique is the roasting process. Medium and dark coffee (AKA brunette roasts) involves roasting the beans at a higher temp and for a longer time. On the other hand, the brewing of blonde roast coffee involves less temp and shorter time.
Do you prefer going for the audible proof? Then your blonde roast is that one where the coffee has to be stopped roasting at the first ‘crack’. This is also not the same as making ‘white’ coffee, where you stop roasting halfway through, before the first crack.
The Blonde Coffee Roasting Process:
Now for the actual part of making the coffee that gives it the blonde color and the unique taste. Your answer to what is blonde roast coffee lies in the roasting process, as it affects the body, flavor, and acidity of your coffee (but not the caffeine content!).
Blonde roasts have a short roasting time. This helps preserve the coffee’s natural ‘herbal’ notes, giving your drink a bright, citrusy feel instead of bold flavors. Of course, the brief roasting time will also preserve the coffee’s acidity. This will make your drink feel dissimilar to the rich brew you may be used to.
So, to put it briefly, here is how the roasting process differs between light (blonde) and dark coffee.
- The best blonde roast coffee comes from the water temp between 355 400°F, while dark roasts endure around 437-446°F.
- You stop roasting the beans at the first crack for blonde roast coffee, while dark roasts call for at least two cracks.
- Blonde roasts release fruity scents that match their lively taste. In contrast, dark roasts produce earthy scents that bring out their rich, smooth flavors.
This may seem too in-depth for just knowing about blonde coffee. However, your roasting know- how will help you find the perfect pairing for your tastebuds!
Let’s Break Down the ‘Light’ Roast Coffee Spectrum:
You may say that blonde roast is the same as general light roast coffee. It has a lighter body and more acidity than darker roasts, which coffee lovers often refer to as the brightness of the coffee. Yet, if you explore further into what is blonde roast coffee, you’ll find that the spectrum it belongs to also includes white and gold roasts.
- White Roast: The beans are removed from the heat just prior to their first crack.
- Gold Roast: Maintains a high caffeine level while offering low acidity and a smoother flavor.
- Blonde Roast: Has a more distinct acidic taste compared to other coffee types.
While coffee roast levels are usually divided between light, medium, and dark, this quality is better divided into a spectrum. Blonde roast coffee is the lightest of light roasts, one that you pull from the roaster at the very first crack.
Here is what you may not know: Light roasts actually contain more caffeine per scoop compared to dark roasts. The reason dark roasts seem less dense is that they go through two ‘cracks’ during the roasting process. This makes the beans expand more than those you roast for a shorter time.
Light Vs. Dark Roast: Standout Features:
Since dark roast coffee looks and tastes ‘strong’, most people avoid blonde and other light roasts. Why? They believe that they won’t get a great taste and the right kick. Let’s clear things up: light and dark coffee roast may differ, but each presents amazing qualities.
– BODY
What is blonde roast coffee in terms of body? It is less intense than a dark roast. However, whether you consider a blonde roast strong on your criteria for boldness. Usually, the strongest coffee contains higher caffeine levels, which often applies to light roasts.
– ACIDITY
Blonde roasts are more acidic when you compare these to dark roasts. The beans for dark brews are roasted for a longer time and at a higher temp, which brings out distinct flavors. The higher acidity in blonde roasts can result in a slightly sour flavor with hints of citrus. Those who enjoy blonde roasts often appreciate the stronger taste of the beans.
-CAFFEINE
We you may have covered above, there is a common myth that darker roasts contain more caffeine than lighter roasts. However, this is not true at all. A cup of blonde roast brew has more caffeine than a dark roast when using the same amount of beans.
Brewing and Pairing a Blonde Roast Cup of Joe:
Following the question ‘what is blonde roast coffee’, is the most common concern of ‘how do you brew the perfect cup’? Also, what does one pair with the coffee to enjoy every sip to truly benefit from its unique flavor profile?
You can brew your blonde roast using a pour-over for hot coffee or a French press for cold brew. AeroPress is another great option to extract those flavors just right. All these ways bring out the roast’s vibrant flavors.
Of course, it also helps to know how these methods exactly work to extract amazing flavors from blonde roast beans. For instance, use water at 195°F to brew coffee with the pour-over method. Also, lightly wet the coffee grounds for about ten to thirty seconds before adding hot water.
If you are a true coffee lover, you will know that the effort is worth it. Do try out various brewing methods for blonde roasts. Then, be the judge of which gives you a result that makes you just as fond of light roasts as you are of the dark roast!
How About Blonde Roast Coffee Drinks and Food Pairings?
Blonde roast is perfect for creating light and refreshing coffee beverages such as iced coffee and macchiatos. You can dabble with creamy versions, but the acidity calls for having the brew without or with little milk. As for blonde coffee pairings: blueberry muffins or lemon tarts, and mild cheeses make lovely matches.
Tips for Extracting the Best Blonde Roast Flavor:
Looking to prepare a cup of blonde roast java that highlights the beans’ subtle flavors and aromatic qualities? Here are expert tips to achieve a superb coffee experience:
– Fresh Coffee Beans Make the Best Brews
You can’t beat the flavor of fresh coffee beans, whether we are talking about blonde or dark roast. Get your blonde roast coffee beans directly from a trusted supplier. Thus, you make sure that you get fresh beans that pack quality in every drop of coffee!
– Go for a Medium-Fine Grid Just Before Brewing
First, grinding your coffee beans just before brewing enhances the flavor of your coffee. Since light roasts are denser than darker ones, the right grind is vital for great coffee. Another aspect to focus on is the finer grind, as it allows you to extract flavors well in the case of blonde roast coffee.
-Choose Filtered Water Over Tap Water
The quality of water can affect the taste of your coffee. Using tap water can mean that there is also a chlorine taste in your coffee. That is not the most pleasant thought or taste! You can take away the impurities and let the true flavors of the beans come to life with filter water.
Finally, don’t forget that milk, sugar, syrups, and other additives also affect the overall flavor of your light roast. Sweeteners can help balance acidity, but they may overshadow the subtle flavors. Medium to dark roast coffee fares better with additives, while blonde and other light roasts shine on their own.
Health Benefits of Blonde Roast Coffee:
Does light roast coffee have more health benefits than the dark roast variety? It depends on who you ask. Generally, all coffee is linked to some notable health benefits:
- Good heart health and the energy boost you get even from just one cup of joe.
- Anti-inflammatory effects that go on to help with managing some chronic diseases.
That’s your general coffee supremacy breakdown for you (talk about debunking myths about coffee and health!). What you may now be aware of is that the blonde roast may enhance those health
benefits.
Research shows that light coffee roasts contain higher levels of antioxidants due to their acid content. Plus, light roasts often have greater anti-inflammatory effects. That does not mean that your dark roast brew does not have health benefits. The other side may simply have more to offer.
Note: Be careful if you do not tolerate acidic foods and drinks. Darker, low-acid coffee lets you to enjoy its health perks without the digestive issues.
Does Blonde Roast Coffee Appeal to Dark Roast Lovers?
You may be on the edge about trying out blonde roast coffee. Also, you may be missing out by steering clear of the vividity of flavors!
This lighter roast offers a smoother and more energetic coffee experience. Blonde roasts are known for their bright acidity and floral hints in terms of flavor. Medium roasts provide a balanced flavor that combines sweet, bitter, and deeper notes. The hints of caramel and chocolate in these roasts are especially great for those who enjoy a rich-tasting coffee.
Coming back to the other side, you don’t have to give up dark roast. You can enjoy your light, acidic coffee. If you are drawn to light, more subtle tastes, then a blonde roast is a no-brainer. If you’re a tea enthusiast considering a switch to coffee, a blonde roast could be the ideal way in.
In a nutshell, choosing a blonde roast coffee can be a nice change due to subtle but lively flavors. Whether you find blonde roasts more enjoyable than darker ones is up to your taste. About website
Conclusion: Should You Add Blonde Roasts to Your Top Java Choices?
Our verdict? Blonde roast coffee is a light option that stands in contrast to the bold, rich flavors. You may be used to the latter in your medium or dark roast for a morning brew or afternoon pick-me-up.
But, don’t go past the blonde roast just yet! It has a delicate blend of flavors, packed with caffeine and a smooth finish with each sip. This unique flavor profile is what adds to the fact that it is now a
trend.
The bottom line is that you may be surprised (happily so!) by the intricate flavors of blonde roast coffee. You don’t have to go to a café; it is fairly easy to brew a blonde roast at home if you have the practice.
Dabble with quality coffee beans and test out light roasts for the good old drip coffee, French Press, and cold brew. Blonde roast is milder and lively—an awesome choice for those who may not enjoy coffee. If you lean towards herbal teas and matcha for energy, this is the coffee to start your java journey!