The Dark Side of Coffee: Why Over-Roasting Can Ruin the Brew

Watch out for dark, shiny, or wet beans! While dark roasted beans offer bold, intense flavors, over-roasting them beyond the ideal dark roast can result in burnt, shiny beans that lose their true essence. The oils in coffee beans, which are released during roasting, contribute to the richness and complexity of the brew. But when beans are over-roasted, these oils can become bitter and burnt, masking the coffee’s natural flavor.

As for wet beans, this is a sign of improper storage or inadequate drying before roasting. Beans with a damp, sticky surface can develop musty, off-flavors that are far from ideal for brewing.

In short, the shiny oils on over-roasted beans are like the coffee’s goodness leaking out—evidence that the beans have gone too far and lost their best qualities.