![Roasting](http://lunaroasters.com/cdn/shop/articles/roasting-coffee-beans_{width}x.jpg?v=1620074653)
Because the roasting process is what reveals a coffee bean’s unique characteristics “care” is the essential word for roasting craft coffee. There are three basic roasting categories: light, medium, and dark.
![light_roast_coffee_bean](http://lunagourmetcof.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/light_roast_coffee_bean.png)
LIGHT ROASTS
Light roasts retain most of the original characteristics of a coffee bean (as well as its caffeine content), but can be a bit more acidic.
Light roasts retain most of the original characteristics of a coffee bean (as well as its caffeine content), but can be a bit more acidic.
![medium_roast_coffee_bean](http://lunagourmetcof.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/medium_roast_coffee_bean.png)
MEDIUM ROASTS
Acidity begins to drop, while most characteristics are preserved.
Acidity begins to drop, while most characteristics are preserved.
![dark_roast_coffee_bean](http://lunagourmetcof.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/dark_roast_coffee_bean.png)
DARK ROASTS
Typically considered the smoothest roasts, though they can lose some flavor complexity.
Typically considered the smoothest roasts, though they can lose some flavor complexity.
Ever have a cup of coffee that tastes burned? Roasters that get so large that they have to supply enormous quantities of coffee beans ensure consistency by over-roasting their various beans, which destroys a lot of their subtle characteristics. Don’t drink that.