French roast coffee refers to a particular type of dark roast coffee. As its name suggests, French roast has a high roast level, resulting in coffee beans that have a roasted flavor, and contrary to other light roast popular types of roasted coffee, French roast coffee does not have an acidic flavor. Because of these qualities, it is often referred to as a double roast coffee. The French roast is one popular way to prepare coffee beans through a specific coffee roasting process done by professional coffee roasters. Its flavor might seem a bit too strong for many, but many coffee lovers find it to be an exquisite pleasure. If you want to learn more about French roast coffee and what makes it unique, read on. The French roast is one popular way to prepare coffee beans through a specific coffee roasting process done by professional coffee roasters. Its flavor might seem a bit too strong for many, but many coffee lovers find it to be an exquisite pleasure. If you want to learn more about French roast coffee and what makes it unique, read on.
What Does French Roast Coffee Taste Like?
Unlike light roast coffee varieties, French roast beans have a charcoal-like flavor, which is considered by many as smoky and sweet.
Compared to lighter roast coffees, French roast coffee tends to mask the original flavor of coffee beans. This means that any regional properties of a particular bean type are usually lost due to the roast. In other words, the roast flavor covers beans’ true flavor.
Many people erroneously believe that the French roast has a higher caffeine level than light roast alternatives. In reality, the opposite is true. A coffee bean with a lighter roast has a higher caffeine level than a French roast. This is because, in the roasting process, coffee beans’ caffeine molecules are burned.
The French roast, because of its roasting process, burns off many more caffeine molecules. So, if you are looking for a type of coffee bean that is low in caffeine, French Roast Coffee is surely a great choice.
Why Is It Called French Roast?
The French roast, like many other types of coffee beans, is named after a regional way to roast coffee. This comes as no surprise as the roasting process is one of the most important parts of the entire treatment coffee receives before finishing in your cup. There are also other popular regional varieties like the Vienna roast and the Italian roast.
Throughout Europe and many other parts of the world, coffee roasters use the French roast method. This tradition became popular in the 19th century, spreading throughout many different places. Today, almost any type of coffee bean with a high roast level or considered dark is often referred to as a French roast. These beans are sometimes also referred to as espresso roast or dark roast coffee.
French roast coffee is not the same as Turkish coffee, although they are sometimes compared. French roast coffee refers to a specific coffee bean roast level, whereas Turkish coffee is a way to prepare coffee. In this sense, Turkish coffee can be prepared using French roast coffee beans, but not every Turkish coffee necessarily uses beans of the French roast type.
Although some people often associate the French roast coffee with the French press, both have nothing to do with one another. As a matter of fact, the French press originated in Italy.
Is French Roast Coffee Healthy?
When it comes to coffee beans and health concerns, the type of roast is not really an important factor to consider. Both light and dark roast coffee offer health benefits. However, they can differ in important ways. Nonetheless, coffee in general seems to be good for your health, but keep in mind that you should always consult your doctor in case of any specific condition you should be aware of.
Certain studies have shown that drinking coffee offers many health benefits, such as reduced probabilities of heart failure, liver cancer, and certain types of diabetes. Additionally, people who drink coffee on a regular basis seem to be less prone to suffer from depression and other diseases.
French roast coffee benefits include a reduced risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, thanks to some of the chemicals found in roasted coffee beans. Another thing to consider regarding dark roast coffee is that, for people who suffer from stomach acidity, this is a better alternative as it is less likely to produce irritation.
Is French Roast Coffee Strong?
When it comes to the level of caffeine, French roast coffee is not as strong as its light roast alternatives. This is the result of coffee roasters making the beans lose caffeine molecules throughout the process. In terms of flavor, the French roast variety has a strong smoky flavor.
Is French Roast Coffee Bitter?
In general, dark roast coffee tends to have a bitter flavor due to the coffee roasting process. French roast beans are no exception. This bitterness is reflected in its charcoal-like and somewhat smoky flavor. For many, this results in a delicious aroma and a delightful experience at the moment of drinking their coffee, one that usually fits well with dark chocolate.
Lighter roast alternatives, in part thanks to their increased amount of caffeine, taste less bitter. No alternative is better than the other. It ultimately depends on what each individual person likes.
How Is French Roast Coffee Different?
Throughout this article, I’ve mentioned a few ways in which French roast coffee is different from its counterpart, the lighter roast alternatives. In general, the French roast has a stronger roast flavor and less caffeine.
If you want to try out a great French roast, I highly recommend the Gevalia French roast coffee. And if you want to read more about some of the best coffee we’ve tried, visit our blog.
If this article was helpful or you have more questions about french roast coffee, drop a comment below.
