Butter Roasted Coffee Beans: Everything you need to know

Vietnam has secured its place on the global map not just for its picturesque landscapes but also for its vibrant and diverse coffee culture. The question arises: What is it about Vietnamese coffee that captivates the hearts of so many, including a myriad of foreign tourists?

As mentioned in “What is Vietnamese coffee?”, Vietnamese people are very innovative with preparations of unique coffee drinks, which goes the same with the way their coffee is roasted.

Hence the butter roasted coffee process became a mainstream way of roasting. This innovative twist on traditional coffee roasting has taken the coffee community by storm, offering a unique flavor profile and a delightful experience for enthusiasts.

Let’s dive into the intricacies of butter roasted coffee, from the art of roasting to its cultural significance.

What are butter-roasted coffee beans?

In Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, roasting butter and coffee is a typical practice. Coffee roasting is usually matured when a small amount of butter, or margarine, is added and well mixed into the roasted coffee, allowing the butter to be absorbed evenly.

The coffee is then poured out and set aside to cool. Using butter during the roasting process has several advantages: it enhances the coffee’s appearance and shine, grinds more smoothly, and intensifies the flavors—all of which contribute to the beverage’s rich, flavorful, and invigorating taste. The scrumptious taste that'll make one keep going back for more after their first sip.

getting to know butter Roasted Coffee

Getting to know Butter Roasted Coffee

Understanding the process of Butter-roasting Coffee Beans

The method and process are unique and requires many meticulous steps.

A perfect temperature to roast

The flavor profile of the beans will interact with the butter during roasting; therefore, the coffee processing farmers have to choose beans that complement the buttery notes. In order to provide a rich texture and scent, the beans have to dry first. 

Humidity in coffee beans ranges from 8% to 12%; therefore, it has to dry first at typically 160 °C. The coffee begins to smell like toasted bread at this temperature. Drying continues throughout the browning stage, even though it comes after the drying stage.

difference temperatures give difference coffee taste

Difference temperatures give difference coffee taste

View more: Finding out the world's healthiest coffee beans

After that, the temperature can be adjusted to allow the beans to roast gradually and develop complex flavors. The best temperature is typically between 177°C and 204°C. Moreover, it’s essential to monitor the process because it can give different tastes, such as:

  • Light roast, the coffee beans have a more delicate and vibrant flavor. Especially when compared to heavier roasts, coffee beans that have been lightly roasted typically have a somewhat higher caffeine content. A light roast could yield a cup with more caffeine because the roasting process does not break down the caffeine as much.
  • Medium roast, the sugar in the beans caramelizes, imparting sweetness to the brew. It can expect a slightly richer mouthfeel, providing a satisfying and well-rounded drinking experience.
  • Dark roast, it has bold and intense flavors, often accompanied by smoky and roasted notes. Butter can intensify this flavor, contributing to a fuller-bodied and more robust taste.

The amount of time that beans will be done after roasting

During the roasting process, the beans audibly crack during the "first crack" because of the release of internal gases. This step usually happens 10 to 15 minutes into the roasting process for a medium roast.

pay attention to the amount time while roasting beans

Pay attention to the amount time while roasting beans

The roasted level is adjusted during the period that follows the first crack, also referred to as the development phase. A medium roast may take up to 16 to 18 minutes to roast, but a light roast may take only 12 to 16 minutes. Dark roast can be achieved in 18 to 20 minutes of roasting. 

When coffee roasting reaches a mature stage, the coffee roaster will add a small amount of butter and stir thoroughly to ensure that the coffee absorbs the butter evenly.

After that, they switch off the heat, dump the coffee outside, and let it cool. Butter has several advantages when used in the processing process. It makes the coffee taste richer, more enticing, and more stimulating. It also helps the coffee become more glossy and attractive. 

88 Coffee is the leading coffee shop for Vietnamese butter-roasted coffee beans in the USA.

At 88 Coffee, the experience of choosing roast butter coffee is a journey into the realm of unique and indulgent flavors. Renowned for their commitment to quality, 88 Coffee carefully selects high-grade coffee beans, providing the foundation for an exceptional cup of butter-roasted coffee.

enjoying the perfect a cup of coffee with 88 coffee

Enjoying the perfect a cup of coffee with 88 Coffee

The process begins with quality coffee beans harvested from Buôn Ma Thuột, Đắk Lắk, and Cầu Đất, Lâm Đồng, roasted to a medium-dark roast, and then mixed with a butter substitute that contains dairy and soy, ensuring a harmonious fusion of rich, creamy undertones with the beans' intrinsic qualities. The roasting technique, executed with precision, results in a balanced and robust flavor profile.

Hope you can learn more about butter-roasted coffee after this interesting journey. Whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the nuances of butter-roasted beans are sure to captivate your palate and elevate your coffee-drinking ritual.

Embrace the artistry behind this unique roasting technique, experiment with various blends, and savor each sip as you embark on a coffee adventure that adds a touch of decadence to your daily brew.