Coffee grounds and beans are provided to consumers with different roasting levels. For instance, blonde roast vs. medium roast is unique in several aspects. But how are they different?
These two roasts have differences in the roast level and flavor profile. Blonde roast features a mild, subtle, and smooth flavor, while medium roast has a balanced, rich, and complex flavor. Moreover, the blonde roast is highly acidic, whereas the medium roast has moderate acidity.
Read the entire article to learn how blonde and medium roast are distinct from each other. Let’s explore.
Blonde Roast vs. Medium Roast: The Head to Head
Before going into the detail, let’s check out the comparison chart to have a basic idea of both coffee roasts.
| Blonde Roast | Medium Roast | |
| Naming | The roast is called blonde since it looks lighter. | It is called medium roast since it falls between light and dark roast. |
| Origin | Not specified. However, Starbucks has popularized the roast. | Its origin is unknown. |
| Flavor profile | Mild, smooth and subtle. | Balance, rich and complex |
| Roasting time | Shorter. | Longer. |
| Acidity | Blonde roast is higher in acidity. | Medium roast has lower acidity. |
| Mouthfeel | It has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. | It has a sweet and chocolaty mouthfeel. |
| Bitterness | Low | Moderately bitter |
| Caffeine | Same as the medium roast. | Similar to blonde roast. |
| Surface | The roast has a minimal oily surface. | The roast has a comparatively high oily surface. |
A Brief Introduction to Both Roasts
Blonde Roast:
Blonde roast is a type of coffee roasted for a shorter period of time. It is also called light roast or mild roast. The roast looks golden brown and has a mild flavor, subtle aroma, and high acidity. It is less bitter than other roasts and has a delicate taste.
Medium Roast:
Medium roast coffee is another type of coffee that is roasted for longer than light roasts. It looks medium-brown and has a balanced flavor, rich aroma, and moderate acidity. This roast is less sweet and bitterer compared to light roast.
How Is Each Roast Prepared?
Blonde roast is prepared with a shorter roasting period. Here, the coffee beans are typically roasted at a lower temperature and for a shorter duration so that they achieve a lighter color and a milder flavor. For instance:
- The roasting time is maintained between 4 and 6 minutes.
- The temperature to prepare blonde roast is from
It is carefully monitored to ensure that the beans are not roasted for too long, which can result in a burnt or bitter taste.
So, what about the medium roast?
Medium roast requires a more extended roasting period of time than light roasts. It is usually roasted at a higher temperature and for a longer duration, ensuring medium brown color and a balanced, rich, and complex flavor. For example:
- The roasting time to prepare medium roast is from 5 to 8 minutes. The average temperature requires for the roast is 205 to 222 degrees Celsius.
The beans are removed from the heat when the oily surface appears. However, the time and temperature of the roast can vary depending on the consumers’ preference and the desired taste profile.
Noticeable Characteristics of Both Roasts
Characteristics of blonde roast coffee at a glance:
- Blonde roast is a variant of a light roast coffee.
- The flavor of the roast is smooth and subtle, with a high acidity level.
- It will feel less heavy in your mouth.
- Due to light roasting, the original characteristics of coffee beans remain.
- The roast has a dry surface.
- This roast has a fruity aroma which is very complex.
Characteristics of medium roast coffee with a quick look:
- The medium brown color is the primary identity of the roast.
- The flavor of medium roast coffee is balanced and rich with a moderate acidity level.
- It will feel full-bodied and complex in your mouth.
- The original characteristics of coffee beans are reduced because of longer roasting at higher temperatures.
- Medium-roasted coffee beans have an oily surface.
- The roast has a bitterness compared to the light roast.
Compatible Recipes For Both Coffee Roasts
Many people want to know – which roast will be suitable for their favorite coffee recipe. The answer is it depends. Both blonde roast and medium roast are widely used to prepare a variety of coffees.
Blonde roast coffee is often used in recipes requiring a milder, smoother flavor and higher acidity. Here are a few examples of recipes that may use blonde roast coffee:
- Cold brew coffee: Well suited for its smooth and mild flavor.
- Iced coffee: The high acidity level can help to balance the sweetness of iced coffee.
- Coffee cocktail: Can be used to make coffee-based cocktails, such as a coffee martini.
- Light coffee desserts: A good match for creamy coffee desserts, such as coffee sorbet and ice cream.
Medium roast coffee is also used in recipes requiring a balanced, rich, complex flavor and a moderate acidity level. A few examples of recipes where you can use medium-roast coffee are:
- Drip coffee: Due to its balanced flavor, it tastes excellent even without the need for cream or sugar.
- Espresso-based drinks: Often used in espresso-based drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.
- Mocha: Can be used to make mocha where the chocolate and the coffee flavors can balance each other.
- Coffee and chocolate desserts: A good match for chocolate-based desserts, such as tiramisu, chocolate-covered coffee beans, etc.
- French press: Can be used to make French press coffee for its complex flavor with a moderate acidity level.
- Pour-over: Well-fit for pour-over coffee brewing, which gives a balanced and rich flavor.
Which Roast Between These Two Is Highly Caffeinated?
Blonde roast and medium roast coffee have nearly the same amount of caffeine. The difference in caffeine content between the two roasts is negligible.
It is because the roasting process itself does not affect the caffeine levels in the coffee beans. The main difference between these two roasts is in the flavor profile.
So whichever you prefer, it does not affect the amount of caffeine present in the cup. You can enjoy your morning cup of coffee knowing that you will get nearly the same amount of caffeine from either one.
The One That Will Be Easier on the Stomach
Medium and dark roast coffee is usually considered to be easier on the stomach than blonde roast coffee. The level of acidity has a big role here.
Medium roast coffee has a lower acidity level compared to blonde roast coffee. Acidity in coffee can cause stomach irritation and heartburn in some people.
In general, the longer a coffee bean is roasted, the more acidity is removed. Medium roast coffee beans are roasted for a longer period of time than blonde roast coffee beans, which results in a lower acidity level.
So, if you are sensitive to acidity and looking for a coffee roast that is easier on your stomach, medium and dark roasts may be a better option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions on Blonde Roast vs. Medium Roast\
There are three main coffee roasts: light, medium, and dark.
You can use blonde roast in espresso-based drinks. But it may not have the desired taste and strength as the espresso needs a darker roast for a bolder flavor.
The texture of the medium roast is well-balanced. Compared to light roasts, it has more mouthfeel and thickness. While compared to dark roasts, it is less thick and heavy.
The Verdict
Blonde roast and medium roast have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Despite their differences, both blonde and medium roast coffee has a wide range of uses in coffee recipes.
Both roasts are versatile and used to create a variety of coffee blends with unique flavor profiles. Ultimately, the choice between blonde and medium roast depends on your personal preference and desired flavor profile.
References:
https://www.health.com/nutrition/light-dark-roast-coffee-which-is-healthier
https://www.tastingtable.com/956172/types-of-coffee-roasts-explained/
