What Is French Roast?

French roast beans have a distinctive dark color and and a smoky flavor loved by many coffee drinkers.

At cafes and coffee shops, customers encounter a number of terms for different brews of coffee, including the name "French Roast." Despite its name, French Roast coffee does indicate that the beans were imported from France; rather, it refers to the method of preparing beans.

Identification

French roast coffee beans have a dark brown color and a slight sheen. The only bean darker in color is the Italian roast bean, which is black.

Production

French Roast coffee is roasted until the sugars in the beans begin to burn, which makes the oils in the beans come to the surface. This gives the bean its dark color.

Time Frame

French Roast coffee is typically roasted at 282 degrees Celsius for about 13 minutes.

Taste

French Roast beans have a strong, smoky flavor. Because of its intense taste, French Roast is a good choice for those who enjoy darker brews, as opposed to lighter, sweeter flavors.

Considerations

When roasting the French Roast beans, it is important to closely monitor their color because over-roasting usually results in an unpleasantly bitter and burnt taste.

References

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Roasting
• CoffeeDetective.com: What is French Roast?
• American Chronicle: What is French Roast Coffee? How Do You Make It?