When you think about black coffee, my mind automatically goes to freshly brewed coffee with no creamer. When I think of white coffee, I think of black coffee with creamer in it. Wrong. In this post, I will explain white coffee vs black coffee and why you need to try some.
The main difference between white coffee and black coffee is the roasting process. You will roast white coffee for a shorter amount of time at a lower temperature. The caffeine content is also much higher in white coffee due to the low roasting temperatures.
What is White Coffee
It is not black coffee with cream in it. White coffee is roasted at a lower temperature so it’s not going to have that darker color like traditional beans you are used to seeing.
In fact, the beans are actually lighter so you could say they are “white”. You will also get a lighter brew when you compare it to black coffee.
The shorter roasting time is going to allow the bean to keep most of its flavor and important compounds.
What is Black Coffee
Black coffee is what you think of when you see traditional coffee beans. It is darker in color because of the longer roasting times.
Benefits of White coffee vs Black Coffee
Roasting Temps
The typical roasting temperature for black coffee is 450°F to 480°F while white beans are roasted at 325°F.
Taste
White coffee has a nutty flavor with a low bitterness. This is because of the shorter roasting time at lower temperatures. Roasting longer affects the flavor.
The bean’s natural sugars are not caramelized in white coffee and that’s why you don’t get a bitter after taste.
Acidity
The organic acids don’t have time to evaporate in the shorter roasting time of white coffee beans. Therefore, they will be more acidic.
Aroma
The aroma of coffee comes from the oils and other compounds in the beans. White coffee has a rich, smooth aroma unlike black coffee because the higher roasting temps mess with the compounds that are responsible for the smell.
Which is better?
The low roasting times of white coffee gives you a greater quantity of chlorogenic acid which is an antioxidant known to protect against inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
Meanwhile, the darker roast is going to be lower in acidity and this is easier on the stomach. So people who are sensitive to coffee might prefer a darker roast.
How to Brew
Black Coffee
It’s easy to brew black coffee. You simply add the coffee grounds to your brewer of choice and then add the water based on the method, then steep.
White Coffee
White coffee, on the other hand, isn’t quite as easy. Because of the shorter roasting period, the beans are going to be harder. This is going to put a strain on your grinder.
You are going to want to choose espresso as your brewing style for white coffee. If not, you will get a flat cup of coffee. You can also use an Aeropress because it brews a very concentrated cup of joe. If the cost of an espresso machine is too much for your budget, you can try a home espresso machine or just simply stick with the Aeropress (it’s usually around $30).
Caffeine Content
The longer you roast a bean, the more caffeine it loses. Because white coffee is not exposed to the longer higher temperature as black coffee during roasting, it will keep its caffeine.
It’s only about 5% but that’s still a difference.
Side effects
White coffee is going to have more acidity and higher caffeine levels. The acidity could possibly cause an upset stomach while the caffeine could cause you to feel jittery or it can even cause addiction.
Some feel that the caffeine helps them focus and be more productive. So, this is something you will have to decide for yourself. I personally don’t handle caffeine as well as my spouse so I would opt for the lower levels.
Where to Find White Coffee
I’m pretty sure everyone knows where to grab a bag of black coffee, but have you seen white beans? I have found a few that I would recommend you try if you are thinking about it.
You can give Poverty Bay’s White Tornado a try. It has a light, nutty, sweet flavor, and its pre-ground.
Wired Willy’s is another one that’s worth a mention. It also has a nutty, smooth flavor. It’s rated 5 stars on Amazon.
Conclusion
Now that you know the facts, it will be easier for you to decide which you prefer. As with all things coffee, it’s about personal preference. If you have tried both black and white coffee, comment below and tell us which one you prefer. I love hearing everyone’s different experiences.
