White Coffee Beans: What is White Coffee?
White coffee?! And I don’t mean coffee that the middle school kids at the cafe drink, that’s something like 75% cream. Actual white coffee. It’s true. Let’s talk about it.
What is white coffee?
White coffee is coffee made from beans that are roasted at a significantly lower temperature, for shorter times, than those used for black coffee—giving it a lighter color and a more mild flavor.
White coffee beans are roasted at about 325°F (163°C), as opposed to 450°F (232°C) for black coffee beans. They are also roasted for about half the time of a typical dark roast.
This lower roasting temperature preserves more of the bean’s natural flavors and nutrients, resulting in a lighter, more acidic, and nutty flavor profile. White coffee is often described as having a smooth, mild flavor with subtle earthy undertones.
White coffee beans: An origin story
White coffee can be traced back to Yemen, where the term originally referred to a drink made with lightly roasted coffee beans and various spices, such as cardamom and ginger. This traditional Yemeni drink, known as “qishr,” was brewed with the husks of coffee cherries and was a popular beverage long before coffee became widely consumed in its roasted form.
In recent years, the popularity of white coffee has spread beyond Yemen, particularly in Western countries. The modern interpretation of white coffee involves lightly roasting the beans to produce a unique flavor profile. This adaptation has sparked interest among coffee nerds and hipsters.
White coffee vs. black coffee
Unlike traditional black coffee, which is made from fully roasted beans, white coffee is made from beans that are roasted at a much lower temperature, giving it a milder taste and higher caffeine content. While both white and black coffee come from the same coffee beans, the differences in their preparation and flavor are significant:
| White Coffee | Black Coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Roasting temperature | 325°F (163°C) | 450°F (232°C) |
| Roasting time | Shorter roasting time | Longer roasting time |
| Color | Light beige to tan | Dark brown to black |
| Flavor profile | Mild, nutty, acidic | Rich, bold, robust |
| Caffeine content | Higher caffeine content | Lower caffeine content |
| Nutritional content | Retains more nutrients | Some nutrients lost during longer roasting process |
How to brew white coffee beans
Brewing white coffee beans requires a slightly different approach than brewing traditional black coffee due to their denser and harder texture. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
- Grind the beans: White coffee beans are denser and harder than black coffee beans, so use a high-quality grinder set to a coarse grind. Be prepared for this to take a little longer.
- Choose your brewing method: You can use whatever brewing method you like, of course, but a French press or espresso machine works best for extracting the unique flavors of white coffee.
- Measure the coffee: Use a ratio of 1:15 coffee to water for a balanced brew. For example, use 1 ounce (28 grams) of coffee for every 15 ounces (450 milliliters) of water.
- Heat water: Boil water and let it cool slightly to around 200°F (93°C). Using water that is too hot can scorch the delicate white coffee grounds.
- Brew: Add the coffee grounds to your French press or espresso machine and pour the hot water over them. Allow the coffee to steep for 4-5 minutes if using a French press. For an espresso machine, follow the machine’s instructions for brewing.
- Serve and enjoy!
White coffee FAQs
Does white coffee have more caffeine than black coffee?
Yes, white coffee generally has more caffeine than black coffee. The lower roasting temperature used for white coffee preserves more of the caffeine content in the beans.
Are coffee beans white before roasting?
No, coffee beans are not white before roasting. Coffee beans are initially green and only turn various shades of brown during the roasting process. White coffee gets its name from the light color of the beans after they are roasted at a lower temperature, not from the beans’ original state.
Are there benefits to white coffee beans?
Yes, there are several benefits to white coffee beans. The lower roasting temperature preserves more of the beans’ natural flavors and nutrients, which can result in a coffee that is higher in antioxidants. Additionally, the higher caffeine content can provide a more substantial energy boost. The mild, nutty flavor of white coffee also appeals to those who may find traditional black coffee too bitter or intense.
