The process of roasting your own coffee does
not have to be difficult. In fact, with the right methods it can be
quite easy to accomplish. The main things that you will need to do is
to decide on what manner by which you will roast your beans, what you
will use to accomplish this and what kind of roast you are looking
for. With these in mind, you will be able to have the delicious
results you will surely want to share with others.
Bean Roasting Methods
There are two distinct ways in which you can
roast beans. The first of the methods you can choose is an air
roasting method. This means to use hot air from something like an air
popcorn popper. The main benefit that you get from this is a gentle
roasting method which protects the beans by ensuring an even
distribution of heat. The method is slightly slower, but it is a
fairly foolproof way that you will be able to get an even roast every
time.
More people prefer using a more direct roasting
method. Whether using direct heat from a skillet or from a drum
roaster, the beans are roasted with the use of the direct transfer of
heat from the roasting device to the beans. It is highly important
that the beans are constantly rotated to prevent any possibility that
they will become over roasted in some spots while under roasted in
other spots.
Getting the Right Equipment
The equipment that you will choose will help in
making sure that you will get the most out of every roasting method.
Look for automated machines which will do all of the work for you.
Among the most popular for those who prefer a direct roasting method
is to use a drum roaster. These will allow you to be able to make
sure that you are getting the benefit of the direct heat as well as
the air roasting method combined. By the beans rolling in the drum,
it is possible for them to get direct heat from the drum as well as
hot air roasting while they tumble. These beans will get a complete
roast in the process.
Those looking to use a skillet method for
roasting should choose a roaster that will include a paddle agitator.
This will maintain constant motion of the beans so that they will get
a more even roast. Set the heat to low so that there will be less of
a chance that the beans will scorch while in contact with the
skillet.
If you are looking for an inexpensive way to
get started with roasting your own beans, you can alter an air style
popcorn popper to roast beans with. Essentially, you will need to
make sure that you are blocking the chute from letting any beans go.
This is best done with something like a metal plate so that there
will be less chance of there being a problem with what you are using
to block the chute melting or catching on fire.
Choose Your Roast
As you start to roast your beans, you will need
to make sure that you are getting the kind of roast you are looking
for. Remember that the darker the beans are, the more bitter the
flavor. Of course, there will be other flavor notes that you will be
able to extract through a longer roasting process which you might
find desirable.
Try a few different roasts to decide which you
like the most, and remember that a roast that works well for one kind
of coffee might not be the best for another.
The first two stages that your beans will go
through include the yellowing and steam stages. This will include the
first change in color, a presence of a grassy smell as well as
noticeable steam being emitted from the beans as they start to
release water.
The first crack stage is when the beans will
become dry enough that they will first start to crack or “pop”.
While this is when you will begin to recognize the bean for what you
might find in your morning coffee, this is close to the coffee that
you might want to drink.
The lightest roast in which you will be able to
enjoy drinking the coffee will be at the very start of the second
crack, or just before it. This comes soon after the first crack
stage. You can begin to judge the stages from this point based on the
color, aroma and oil accumulation on the outside of the beans.
As your beans go through the second crack
stage, you will approach what is known as City roast. This is where
the bean is at its most volatile and will be on the verge of
literally exploding. The second crack stage will be where you'll find
the best roast levels. As the cracking slows down you'll be at or
near a Full City roast, approaching French roast.
The darkest roast you'll want to use is the
French Roast. This is characterized by the smell of burnt sugar and a
further deterioration of the bean itself. It's important to be
careful when taking the coffee to this point as any further and the
coffee will have little to no body and will be unpalatable.
Eventually, you'll just have lumps of coal.
Buy Your Beans
Always source your green beans form the best
sources. Try to purchase from such well known coffee producing
regions as Brazil, Peru, Kenya and Sumatra. You will be able to taste
the difference between the different beans from all around the world.
As you develop your skill at roasting you'll figure out what kind of
roast suits different kinds of beans.
It's easy and fun to get started roasting your own
coffee, but you can spend a lifetime mastering it.
--Joe Carsanaro
