What’s the Best Roast Level for Natural Brazilian Coffee from Minas Gerais?

Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world, and within Brazil, Minas Gerais stands out as one of the most famous regions for high-quality beans. If you're working with a naturally processed Brazilian coffee from this region, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to roast it.

So, what’s the best roast level for bringing out the best in these beans?

📍 Understanding Minas Gerais and Natural Processing

Coffee from Minas Gerais is known for its chocolatey, nutty base, low to medium acidity, and creamy body. When these beans are naturally processed (meaning dried with the fruit still intact), they develop additional layers of sweetness and fruitiness—think red berries, dried fruit, and even wine-like notes.

That makes them ideal for a roast profile that highlights both the origin character and the natural processing sweetness.

🔥 The Ideal Roast Level: Medium.

A medium roast is widely considered the sweet spot for natural Brazilian coffees from Minas Gerais.

Here’s why:

• Balanced flavor: Medium roasts highlight both the inherent sweetness from natural processing and the chocolatey, nutty flavors of Minas Gerais beans.
• Body & aroma: You get a full body, smooth mouthfeel, and a warm, inviting aroma.
• Versatility: Works well across different brew methods—pour-over, drip, French press, and even espresso.

☑️ Target Roast Development

• Roast to just before the second crack
• Agtron reading: ~55–65
• Aim for a development time ratio of 20–25% for balance between acidity and sweetness

⚖️ Light vs. Dark Roasts: What to Know

Light Roast

• Pros: Preserves acidity and fruitiness
• Cons: Can be overly sharp or underdeveloped for low-acid beans like Brazilian naturals

Dark Roast

• Pros: Bold chocolate and smoky flavors, great for milk-based espresso drinks
• Cons: Mutes fruity notes and regional character; can taste flat or bitter if overdone

☕ Brewing Suggestions

Medium-roasted natural Brazil's from Minas Gerais shine in:

• Pour-over (V60, Kalita): Accentuates sweetness and clarity
• Espresso: Balanced crema, rich chocolate, and subtle fruit
• Batch brew / drip: Consistent body and flavor for everyday drinking

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to experience the full potential of Brazilian coffee, a medium roast brings out the perfect balance of sweetness, body, and character—especially with natural-processed beans from Minas Gerais.

👉 Ready to taste it for yourself?
Try our Brazilian FTO (Fair Trade Organic) Medium Roast—crafted to highlight the rich chocolate notes, fruity sweetness, and smooth finish that make this region's coffee so beloved.

Shop now and bring a taste of Minas Gerais to your cup.