French roast is a method of roasting coffee beans, which can then be ground up and used in coffee or espresso drinks. Fresh coffee beans are small and green, and must be roasted for consumption in beverages. To roast beans using the French roast method, the beans are roasted at temperatures between 370 and 540 degrees Fahrenheit (188 to 282 Celsius) for 11 to 13 minutes. While the beans are roasting, you will hear a popping sound, or "crack." After the first crack, the beans would be characterized as Cinnamon or City roast, with a light, mild flavor. If you leave the beans in the roaster until they crack again, the resulting beans will be French roast beans.

After the roasting process is complete, the beans are sent through a machine called a "destoner," which removes stones and other particles from the coffee beans. Next, the beans are stabilized and dried, in a process known as equilibrium. Finally, the beans are ground and packed, or can be packed as whole beans for those who prefer to grind their own coffee beans at home.

Depending on the type of roast, the flavor of the coffee beans will vary. French roast creates the darkest beans, with an extremely bold and smoky flavor. The surface of the coffee beans is generally very oily. With French roast coffee, the flavor of the roasting process is so strong that it becomes difficult to taste the flavor of the bean itself. Though the flavor is potent, the beans are no higher in caffeine than any other type of roast. Flavors of French roast coffee may vary among manufacturers. If you don't like its stronger flavor it can be blended with less potent roasts to produce a more mild coffee flavor.

French roast coffee is often best when paired with nuts, roasted vegetables, or desserts like creme brulée.