The History and Modernity of Coffee Roasting

People learned to roast coffee in ancient times. They noticed that when beans are subjected to heat, they acquire an exceptional taste and aroma. Coffee roasting is a crucial technological process, without which the culture of consuming the beverage would not exist. Today, the roasting technology is continuously being refined, yet the core concept remains unchanged.

What Happens During the Roasting Process?

During coffee roasting, a complex set of chemical and physical reactions occurs. Green beans contain numerous compounds, including fiber, lipids, proteins, and acids. However, raw beans have almost no aroma, their scent is reminiscent of grains or peas. It is the roasting process that activates the breakdown and transformation of these compounds, creating new aromatic substances that give coffee its distinctive taste and aroma.

Key Chemical Reactions During Roasting

One of the primary reactions is the Maillard reaction. It begins at around 130°C when the sugars in the beans react with amino acids, creating melanoidins—colored aromatic compounds that impart coffee's dark color and aromas of chocolate, bread, or nuts.

Another important process is caramelization, which begins at about 170°C. During this process, complex carbohydrates in the beans break down into simpler sugars, giving the beverage its sweetness.

Roasting Levels

Roasting levels range from the lightest to the darkest. The generally accepted classification is as follows:

  • Cinnamon
  • City
  • Full City
  • Vienna
  • French
  • Italian

The critical point in roasting is the first "crack," a popping sound caused by the liquid boiling inside the bean. If roasting continues to the second "crack," it may indicate over-roasting, which negatively affects the coffee's quality.

When Does Coffee Taste Best?

Freshly roasted coffee does not immediately reveal its best flavor profile. It is recommended to consume it 10-14 days after roasting. During this period, the coffee becomes most stable in terms of taste and aroma.

Why Are Freshly Roasted and Freshly Ground Coffee Important?

Freshly ground coffee is the key to a delicious drink because ground coffee quickly loses its aromas and flavor qualities. Therefore, it is important to grind the beans immediately before brewing.

Why Should You Order Coffee from Us?

The Buno online store offers the opportunity to order freshly roasted coffee in bulk or retail. We control the roasting process to offer you the best product. Our mission is to make quality coffee accessible to everyone. With us, you will find unique coffee varieties from around the world, and you can also see the roasting process when picking up in person.