These images depict samples taken from the same batch of a typical Brazilian green coffee at various bean temperatures with their subjective roast names and descriptions.[2][3][4]
Unroasted | |||
22 °C (72 °F) Green Beans Green coffee beans as they arrive at the dock. They can be stored for up to two years. |
165 °C (329 °F) Drying Phase During the drying phase the beans are undergoing an endothermic process until their moisture content is evaporated, signifying first crack. |
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Light roast | |||
196 °C (385 °F) Cinnamon Roast A very light roast level, immediately at first crack. Light brown, toasted grain flavors with sharp acidity, almost tea-like in character. |
205 °C (401 °F) New England Roast Moderate light brown, but still mottled in appearance. A preferred roast for some specialty roasters, highlights origin characteristics as well as complex acidity. |
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Medium roast | |||
210 °C (410 °F) American Roast Medium light brown, developed during first crack. Origin character is still completely preserved. |
219 °C (426 °F) City Roast Medium brown, common for most specialty coffee. Good for tasting the varietal character of a bean, although roast character is noticeable. |
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Dark or full roast | |||
225 °C (437 °F) Full City Roast Medium dark brown with occasional oil sheen, roast character is prominent. At the beginning of second crack. |
230 °C (446 °F) Vienna Roast Moderate dark brown with light surface oil, more bittersweet, caramel flavor, acidity muted. In the middle of second crack. Any origin characteristics have become eclipsed by roast at this level. |
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240 °C (464 °F) French Roast Dark brown, shiny with oil, burnt undertones, acidity diminished. At the end of second crack. Roast character is dominant, none of the inherent aroma or flavors of the coffee remain.[5] |
245 °C (473 °F) Italian Roast Very dark brown and shiny, burnt tones become more distinct, acidity almost gone, thin body.[6] |
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| 250 °C (482 °F) Spanish Roast Extremely dark brown, nearly black and very shiny, charcoal and tar tones dominate, flat, with thin body. |