French Roast is a dark coffee roast that has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique taste and aroma. Alberta, Canada, is no exception to this trend, and the popularity of French Roast has been growing in the province for decades. In this article, we will delve into the history of French Roast, its best coffees, taste, and how to drink it.

What is French Roast?

French Roast is a type of coffee roast that is known for its dark color and rich, full-bodied taste. It is a very popular roast in the Alberta, and it is considered one of the darkest roasts available. The French Roast coffee beans are roasted for a longer period than other coffee roasts, resulting in a dark brown color and an oily surface. The coffee beans have a distinctive smoky flavor and a strong aroma.

History of French Roast

The origins of french roast are not very clear, but it is believed to have originated in France during the 19th century. During this time, coffee roasting was a popular practice in France, and the French were known for their dark roast. French roast was popularized in the 1960s,  during a time when coffee culture was rapidly growing across the globe. 

The Rise of French Roasts in Alberta, Canada

French roast has a long history in Alberta, dating back to the early days of coffee culture in the province. As coffee shops and roasteries started opening in the mid-20th century, French roast quickly became a go-to choice for coffee lovers due to its bold and rich flavor. Today, the popularity of French Roast continues to grow in Alberta, with many roasteries across the province offering this beloved coffee roast. 

Best Coffees for French Roast

Not all coffee beans are suitable for French Roast. The process of French roasting coffee beans creates a dark color and a shiny surface, which doesn't necessarily have an impact on flavor. However, the best coffee beans for French Roast have a low acidity level and a high oil content, which contributes to the smooth and nutty flavor profile associated with this roast. It's important to choose coffee beans with a low acidity level because it reduces the sourness of the coffee. Additionally, the high oil content helps to create the shiny surface that is characteristic of French roast. While the French roast process does create some oil on the surface of the beans, starting with coffee beans that already have a high oil content can enhance the overall experience. Brazilian, Colombian, and Guatemalan coffee are among the best coffees for French roast due to their low acidity levels and high oil content.

For example, Ethiopian coffee is known for its fruity and acidic flavor profile. French roasting this type of coffee will result in a loss of those desirable qualities and may not result in a complementary flavor profile. Therefore, if you're a fan of Ethiopian coffee's fruity and acidic notes, you may want to avoid French roasted versions of this coffee.

Taste of French roast

French Roast has a unique taste and aroma that sets it apart from other coffee roasts. The coffee has a smoky and bold flavor with a slight bitterness. It has a full-bodied taste with a strong aroma that is reminiscent of burnt sugar and dark chocolate. French Roast is known for its low acidity level, which makes it less sour than other coffee roasts. The low acidity level also reduces the chances of stomach irritation, making it a suitable choice for people with sensitive stomachs.

How to Drink French Roast

Some people prefer to drink it black, while others prefer to add cream to mellow the bitterness. French roast is also an excellent choice for making espresso due to its full-bodied taste and low acidity level. When drinking French roast, it is essential to brew it at the right temperature to extract the maximum flavor and aroma. The ideal temperature for French Roast is between 195°F and 205°F.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer your coffee black or with cream, French roast is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who enjoy a full-bodied taste and strong aroma. With its low acidity level and high oil content, it is a coffee roast that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their coffee preferences.

So why not give French Roast a try and experience its bold and robust flavor for yourself?