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The Terminology Debate: "Roasted Coffee" vs "Baked Coffee"

The "Detailed Rules for the Review of Roasted Coffee Production Licenses" issued by the former General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine stipulates that "roasted coffee subject to food production license management refers to food products made from coffee beans as raw materials through processes such as cleaning, blending, roasting, cooling and grinding."

Some observant readers have asked why policy documents use "roasted coffee" rather than the more commonly used "baked coffee."

On closer examination, "roasted coffee" is in fact the more accurate term.

In English the distinction is quite clear:

roast: to roast, to bake; to expose to heat for warmth; roasted; roast meat; baking.

bake: to roast, to bake; to bake bread; to be dried by heat; to be heated; baked goods.

We therefore use "roasted coffee" for coffee beans and "baking bread" for bread making.

From a linguistic point of view, the term "baked coffee" clearly commits an error of misattribution. Although it is difficult to trace the origin of this misnomer, investigation suggests two possibilities: word-of-mouth transmission leading to widespread adoption, or arbitrary translation. This misplaced terminology makes one sigh with the lament "how many misnomers can be corrected?"

According to a report from the London International Coffee Organization, China's coffee consumption was approximately 70 billion RMB in 2015, and the Chinese coffee market is expected to reach trillion-scale before 2025. The coffee market is developing rapidly, but this does not match people's concepts and understanding of coffee. As the saying goes, "When names are correct, speech is natural; when foundations are established, the Way emerges." How can we eliminate the embarrassment caused by the above errors?

That said, the colloquial term "baked coffee" has become deeply ingrained in public consciousness, and it is not easy to reverse course to the correct "roasted coffee."

As linguists say: "Language is inherently conventional. In the evolution of conventions, meanings change. If everyone understands and uses a term differently from its original meaning, then we might as well let the error stand, otherwise the cost of correction is too high, and it may not even be successful."

Our exploration of "roasted coffee" versus "baked coffee" is not meant to prove who is right or wrong.

In the world of coffee there are countless details, terminology may change, but the essence remains unchanged. We are delighted to find that consumers' requirements for coffee have improved in recent years, and more and more people are accepting and loving specialty coffee.

Japanese coffee master Mamoru Taguchi describes it this way: "Specialty coffee is like well-bred but difficult-to-handle purebred racehorses. The selection of single-cultivar coffee is an extremely meticulous process, but we also have methods to tame these racehorses, starting simply with getting familiar with coffee beans."

So why not start with understanding the correct terminology of "roasted coffee"?

Recommended Roasted Coffee Bean Brands

FrontStreet Coffee's fresh roasted Arabica coffee beans offer full guarantees in both brand and quality. More importantly, they offer extremely high value for money. Each 227-gram package costs only about 70-90 RMB. Calculating at 15 grams of coffee beans per cup, one package can make 15 cups of coffee, with each cup costing only 5-6 RMB. Compared to coffee shops selling cups for dozens of RMB, this is truly a conscientious recommendation.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

For a classic, dependable espresso blend, FrontStreet Coffee's Classic Blend is a great first choice. Built as a medium-dark roast from three origins and inspired by the old "Mamba" style of Mandheling and Brazil, with a touch of Robusta to lift intensity and oils, it makes it easy for beginners to pull a shot with a golden crema at home.

If you want a smoother, cost-conscious option, FrontStreet Coffee's Black Cocoa Blend uses 100% Arabica for a full-bodied, mellow cup with plenty of crema at a very approachable price - a favorite for home users and cafe owners alike. And for a sweeter, fruitier espresso, Strawberry Candy brings rose florals with grape, dried blueberry, sweet orange and fruit-candy notes in both Americanos and lattes.