What characteristic defines a light roast coffee?

A light roast coffee is characterized by high acidity and bright flavors. This is due to the shorter roasting time, which preserves the natural flavors of the coffee beans rather than emphasizing the roasted or charred notes that develop in darker roasts. The acidity in light roast coffee is often described as crisp and can enhance the perception of sweetness and fruitiness, making the flavors more vivid and vibrant. This style of roast highlights the inherent qualities of the bean, including its origin and processing methods, allowing the drinker to appreciate more complex flavor profiles.

The other options describe attributes that are typically associated with different roast levels or characteristics. Heavy body and rich flavors are more indicative of medium to dark roasts, where sugars caramelize and oils develop, creating a fuller mouthfeel. Low caffeine content does not accurately represent light roast coffee, as it actually contains slightly more caffeine than darker roasts due to the lower roasting temperature. Lastly, a darker color with an oily surface is characteristic of dark roast coffee, where the beans have been roasted long enough for the oils to surface, creating a visually distinct appearance.