When it comes to buying coffee there are two choices: ground or whole bean. More of the flavor is stored up in whole beans. But, to get the flavor that you want try roasting your own beans at home.
The Advantage of Roasting at Home
You don't have to let someone else do all the work for you when it comes to providing a coffee that is robust enough for your tastes. Sure, coffee bean producers can provide mild, medium or dark roast but what if your tastes run to something in between?
You can buy coffee beans in their natural state - green. There are two varieties: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are oval-shaped and long. Robusta beans are smaller and round. While Arabica has a smoother taste, Robusta beans are just as their name implies - full-bodied and robust.
The main advantage of roasting your own beans is the flavor. You have total control over how long you roast them and therefore can experiment with the roasting process.
How to Roast Coffee Beans at Home
Roasting at home doesn't take sophisticated equipment. The process is easier than one might think. It may take some time to get just the bean you desire, so don't be afraid to try more than once.
Your main equipment will be a frying pan and a spatula. Here we go.
Pour the green beans into a frying pan, covering the bottom of the pan. Turn the temperature up to medium high heat. As the beans heat you will need to turn them over frequently to avoid burning.
The roasting process takes about 15 minutes. In that time you will notice the beans going from a green color to brownish. Finally they will turn a deep dark brown like the beans that you buy already roasted from the store.
As the beans roast, they will become greasy as the oils inside of then come out. Continue to turn them to promote even flavoring.
As moisture heats up inside the beans, they will pop. The bean is separating from the chaff. This is called "first crack." It usually occurs about halfway through the roasting. Some people stop here with their roasting. If you want a deeper flavor then continue to roast.
You are approaching "second crack" now. The beans begin a series of pops like puffed rice cereal. The beans are no longer greasy and you have reached the end of the process.
Place the roasted beans in a colander to remove the chaff. Once they have cooled, store them in an airtight container. Grind before you brew.
Roasting your own coffee beans gives you more control over the final flavor. It is an easy process but does take trial and error to produce your perfect bean.
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