Coffee bean roasting

Coffee bean roasting: an art at the heart of international competitions

Roasting coffee beans is a crucial stage in the process of creating an exceptional coffee. This complex operation transforms green beans into browned wonders, ready to reveal their full aromatic richness. It's also a practice honored at the World of Coffee (WOC), where the world's finest specialists gather to celebrate and perfect their art of coffee.

Every year, this prestigious roasting and barista championship attracts national champions from various countries to compete for the coveted title of World Champion. What makes this event so special is that it highlights every stage of the coffee journey, from planting to roasting to cup. Competitors don't just have to offer a good cup of coffee; they have to demonstrate a thorough mastery of roasting, preparation and extraction techniques to impress the judges.

 

The importance of roasting in Barista competitions

The roasting of coffee beans, often seen as an art in itself, is at the heart of these competitions. This delicate process involves heating the beans to a precise temperature, in order to develop their complex flavours. An experienced roaster knows how to adjust each variable - time, temperature and cooling - to bring out the coffee's subtle notes, whether fruity, chocolatey or spicy.

Recent editions of the WOC, such as the one to be held in Athens in 2023, have seen specialists from all over the world compete in ingenuity to present unique coffees, often resulting from partnerships with local producers. In this friendly but demanding competition, every detail counts, and the roasting of coffee beans plays an essential role.

Comparison criteria for quality roasting

In a competition such as the WOC World Championship, the judges assess the roasting of coffee beans according to a number of precise criteria. The first of these is consistency: the beans must be roasted evenly, with no burnt or under-roasted areas. This uniformity ensures optimum extraction of aromas during coffee preparation.

Then, the roasting process is judged on its ability to respect the intrinsic characteristics of the beans. Each coffee has a unique profile, depending on its origin, variety and growing methods. A good roast does not mask these characteristics, but rather enhances them. The judges will also assess the freshness of the roasted beans, a key factor in preserving the integrity of the aromas.

Finally, the roaster's technical mastery is analyzed through the development of flavors. Judges look for a harmonious balance between acidity, sweetness, bitterness and body, all elements that make a coffee a complete sensory experience. Too much roast can lead to excessive bitterness, while too little roast can leave a bland taste. The aim is to find the right balance where each aromatic note is fully expressed.

Roasting: a sensory journey

Beyond coffee production, roasting coffee beans is a true sensory journey where every decision made by the roaster directly influences the final taste of the coffee. Whether in a prestigious competition like the WOC or in your daily cup, a well-executed roast reveals the full potential of the coffee bean and transports the taster into a world of infinite flavours.

FAQ - At the heart of the art of roasting coffee beans

What exactly is coffee bean roasting?

Roasting coffee beans is the process that transforms green coffee into aromatic beans ready to be enjoyed. By gradually applying heat, the roaster triggers complex chemical reactions that develop the color, aromas, and flavor profile of the coffee. This step does not correct the beans' flaws, but rather reveals their potential. Skillful coffee bean roasting respects the origin, terroir, and natural balance of the coffee.

Why is roasting central to international coffee competitions?

In international competitions, coffee bean roasting is crucial because it determines the overall result in the cup. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to precisely adapt the roasting process to a given bean, respecting its aromatic identity. The judges evaluate the consistency of the profile, technical precision, and balance of flavors. Without flawless roasting of the coffee beans, even perfect extraction cannot fully bring out the best in the coffee presented.

What skills must a coffee roaster master?

A roaster must master many parameters to successfully roast coffee beans. They adjust the temperature, duration, heat rise, and cooling according to the origin and variety of the bean. This expertise is based on observation, listening to the bean, and solid sensory experience. Each decision directly influences the final aromatic profile. Roasting coffee beans is therefore a craft based on precision, rigor, and taste sensitivity.

What criteria define high-quality coffee bean roasting?

High-quality coffee beans can be recognized by their uniformity and the absence of visual or taste defects. The beans must be neither burnt nor underdeveloped. The roasting process respects the character of the coffee without masking its origin with notes associated with over-roasting. The balance between acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and body is essential. Good coffee bean roasting allows for a clear and consistent reading of the aromatic profile.

Why is freshness so important after roasting?

After coffee beans are roasted, the aromas naturally begin to escape through degassing. Freshness is therefore essential to preserve the intensity and aromatic precision. A freshly roasted coffee offers a clearer and more complex expression in the cup. Even an excellent roast of coffee beans loses quality if the beans are stored for too long or poorly packaged. Hence the importance of suitable packaging and controlled logistics after roasting.

How is roasting a sensory journey?

Roasting coffee beans is a true sensory journey, as each adjustment in temperature or duration changes the final result in the cup. The roaster guides the transformation of the bean to bring out fruity, chocolatey, or spicy notes, depending on its origin. This step connects the terroir to the tasting experience. A successful coffee bean roast tells a story: the story of the coffee, the producer, and the craftsmanship that has enhanced it.

 

 

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