May 23 2011
Roasted Coffee Beans
Roasted coffee beans are beans that have been completely processed and are ready to be ground and used to brew the perfect pot of coffee. Fresh roasted coffee is used to make the brew that millions of people enjoy every morning to get their blood pumping and get their day started with a jolt. Today there are many people who roast their own coffee beans.
Some people choose to roast their own coffee beans for the simple pleasure of knowing they can do it and learning something new. Other people choose to roast their own coffee beans so that they can create their own roast that they cannot get at coffee shops or grocery stores.
Roasting coffee beans at home is not a difficult process; it only requires practice to get the roasting to the right flavor. There are several different methods of roasting coffee beans at home using a frying pan, a popcorn popper or a special coffee roaster.
The stovetop method uses only a frying pan and green coffee beans. The beans are put in the frying pan in no more than one or two layers. If the depth of the beans is too thick the possibility of burning increases. The stove should be on medium-high, not high heat and the beans should be stirred continuously to prevent scorching.
While stirring the beans they must also be watched for color changes to occur. When the beans reach the color desired, light brown, medium brown or even very dark brown for a darker roasted coffee, they should be removed from heat immediately. The beans should pour out of the frying pan and into a stainless steel bowl to cool. Stir the beans constantly until they cool and then allow then to sit uncovered for at least 8 hours before using.
A hot air popcorn popper is the alternative method to home roasting without purchasing a coffee roaster. The popcorn popper uses hot air to heat the beans and eliminates the need for stirring. However, since the inside of the machine is not visible sound and smell will be important in determining when the beans are roasted. The beans will begin to crack. At this point timing should start to get the beans to the proper roast for the individual.
Once the beans reach the desired roast they should be poured into a metal colander and stirred constantly until they cool down. Once again the beans should be allowed to sit 8-12 hours to release the CO2 that builds up due to the roasting process.
Roasting coffee beans at home is becoming more popular and allows the coffee drinker to create their own special roasts. The process of roasting does not require a special piece of equipment although there are roasters that can be purchased if roasting becomes a constant part of coffee drinking.
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