MACHINES

Roasting coffee is the transfer of heat to raw coffee seeds. Roasting machines achieve this in two main ways: conduction and convection. Drum Roasters utilize a combination of conduction, contact heat through metal drum to seeds and convection, hot air through the seeds. While Air Roasters primarily utilize convention which is simply a stream of hot air moving through the seeds. The majority of the roasting community agrees that a good balance of conduction and convention produce optimal roast.

ROASTING PROCESS

Coffee roasting involves science, art and intuition. The act, or craft, of roasting is viewed many different ways, but to put it simply, it is the final step in processing coffee before brewing and drinking. When heat is applied to the raw coffee seeds, the seeds will go through a series of transformation, during the various stages of roast.

First, moisture in the seeds evaporates and smells like fresh grass, this is called the drying phase. Then coffee turns yellow and smells more like hay. As the roast progresses into the final stages, the seeds smell like baking bread.

The coffee's compound s react to the heat which causes small amounts of moisture to build up pressure and eventually burst during roast. This is called first crack. The roast degree is determined during the development phase which begins with the first crack and ends when the roaster decides to complete the roast.

HOME ROASTERS

Until the 20th century, it was common practice to purchase green coffee seeds and roast them at home. Similar to other home cooking practices, beginning with high quality raw ingredients sets you up for success. Each home roaster approaches the taste differently, some utilize intuition using a stove-top popcorn popper while others apply more science to roasting and utilize “prosumer” machines. Like most home-crafts, start-up cost depends on what you are after, and can range from $40 to thousands. No matter the approach, you will find that it is a fun, easy way to enjoy delicious fresh coffee at home with minimal effort. 

ROAST CLASSES

The art of roasting coffee may have always seemed like a mystery. This class introduces you to the simple, key principles behind the process. We overview the machines that can be used providing a live demonstration followed by tasting different degrees of roast side-by-side.

Classes are held every 2nd Saturday from 12pm-2pm