Natural coffee, blend, or roasted coffee? We explain the differences.

What is coffee roasting?

Roasting is the process in which green coffee beans are heated until they develop their characteristic aromas, flavor, and color. Depending on how it's done, the final result can completely change the experience in the cup.

In Spain, especially in the south and in the Horeca sector, there's a particular tradition that includes torrefacto , which isn't common in other countries. Let's look at the differences between the three main types:

1. Natural coffee

It's roasted coffee without any additional ingredients . Just the green bean, roasted with hot air until it reaches its optimum point.

Flavor and aroma:

• Cleaner, smoother profile with notes typical of its origin.
• It can remind you of chocolate, nuts or fruits, depending on the grain.
• Ideal for those seeking pure and balanced flavor.

Roasting level:

It can vary from medium to dark, but always without added sugar.

In Catunambú:

• Most of our coffees are naturally roasted. In fact, all our whole bean coffees are naturally roasted. 👉 Discover our whole bean coffees

2. Roasted coffee

Torrefacto coffee is roasted coffee with sugar added during the process (usually up to 15%). The sugar caramelizes, forming a dark layer on the bean. This coffee is primarily consumed in the hospitality industry.

Flavor and aroma

• More bitter, stronger and darker, with intense toasted notes.
• Fewer nuances of the origin, but with a powerful body.
• Traditionally very popular in Spanish bars and homes.

In Catunambú:

• We currently do not offer 100% roasted coffee in our product catalog, as we advocate preserving and enjoying the properties of coffee without the need for added ingredients.

3. Coffee blend

It's a combination of natural coffee and roasted coffee . That is, some of the beans have been roasted with sugar and some without.

Why is this mixture made?

Historically, it was used to balance the flavor and preserve coffee better. Today, it's very popular in Spain due to many consumers' preference for the "more bitter" taste of coffees sold in restaurants. Its flavor is intense but not as bitter as pure roasted coffee.

Flavor and aroma:

• Powerful body, with a characteristic bitter point.
• Less aromatic than natural coffee, but smoother than roasted coffee.

In Catunambú:

• You'll find blended roast coffees in our ground coffee range. 👉 Ground Coffee Roast Blend