Roasting

Listen to the beans:
As the roasting process progresses, the sounds made by the beans will be your best indicator as to their doneness. The first crack of the beans should continue for a couple minutes. This intermittent crackling will taper off and the second crack will begin. The beginning of the second crack is usually ideal for your first time with almost any bean. The longer the beans remain in this state the darker they will become. Too long and the result will be less than desirable.

Look at the beans:
After the first couple minutes of roasting the beans will turn yellow as they lose moisture. Followed shortly thereafter, by the first crack where the beans will exhibit a light brown color. By the second crack the beans will be a deeper brown in color, with some showing signs of oil. Checking the color of the beans while listening for the second crack will give you greater control and understanding about your coffee and the method you use to roast.

Monitor your roast:
Like cooking, roasting coffee is not always a set and forget exercise. Staying within earshot of your roaster during roasting will greatly improve your roasting results and knowledge of how long your machine takes to roast your favorite coffee.

Keep a Roasting Log:
Ever roast a batch of coffee to perfection and forgot what coffee it was and/or how long it took to roast? Don't worry it happens to the best of us. To help you save time and frustration we have created a Roasting Log Sheet and Cupping Form just for you. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD. Now tracking your roast has never been easier. The log was designed for the IRoast but can be used with almost any roaster.

For a more detailed and organized way to keep track of your roasts, consider the amazingly well developed Coffee Roasting Database created by DJ Garcia. Requires MS Access 2000 and up. This handy database program lets you monitor all aspects of your coffee buying, roasting, and tasting habits. A great little tool.

Grinding

Type of grinder:
The type of grind required will depend on your brewing method. Typically a burr grinder will be ideal for all brewing methods, with the professional models producing the most consistent grind. Blade grinders are acceptable for drip machines or a FrenchPress.

Quality of grinder:
Think of it this way: Blade grinder, acceptable. Moderate priced burr grinder, Better. High quality professional grade burr grinder, Best.

Brewing

General:
The coffee should be ground correctly for the intended brewing method. Coarse for FrenchPress or PressPot. On many burr grinders this this would be the highest settings. With a blade grinder several seconds and a couple of shakes will do (5-10 seconds). Medium for most drip machines and slightly finer for vacuum pots. Finally, super fine for espresso machines. It is important to note that espresso machines are very sensitive to the grind and their performance can be greatly improved by establishing the proper grind setting for your machine.

Coffee to Water Ratio:
Typically this should be, 1.0 - 1.5% coffee to 98.5 - 99% water. Or simply 2 level tablespoons per cup.

Storage

Green Coffee:
Unroasted coffee should be stored in a cool dry place with light humidity. Breathable bags or storage containers are ideal as they keep the beans from fermenting over time. It is also important to note that coffee in the green state is susecptible to absorbing any strong aroma in the vicinity (In short don't store your coffee in the spice cabinet).

Roasted Coffee:
To start, you should enjoy your coffee as soon as possible, therefore storage will not be an issue. However, since the flavor of most coffees will improve if rested for 12 to 24 hours after roasting, the coffee should be stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Canning jars or zipper bags work great. Please enjoy your freshly roasted coffee within the first seven days since roasting, no need in losing that fresh roasted taste.

Flavoring

Flavored Coffee:
There is a strong desire to replicate the myriad of coffees found in most supermarkets. However, flavoring beans in the home environment is less than ideal. So, if flavoring your coffee is your pleasure, you will be best served to add your favorite flavoring to your already brewed coffee once it is in the cup.