Jun 07 2010
Coffee Roaster
Walking down the coffee aisle at the local grocer entices the senses as no other aroma can. Even non-coffee drinkers will attest to the aroma that comes from fresh coffee. The coffee roaster is the person responsible for this delectable aroma and the person to go to for the freshest coffee possible.
Retail stores often have had their coffee beans for longer than they should, making the freshness questionable at best. If a particular bean is not selling well it could sit in the hopper for a month or more. Those beans are not going to be fresh. However, purchasing coffee beans directly from the roaster is one way to insure that the beans are as fresh as possible. It takes a little research to find a roaster who sells to the public but in the end it will be worth it.
The first step is to locate coffee roasters who are near to you. This may not mean in the same state, unless you live in Hawaii or a foreign country. If you do, then lucky you, if not, the next step is to use the Internet to find coffee roasters who sell to the public. There are many different coffee plantations that will sell their fresh roasted beans to individuals. Once these are located it is time to narrow down the field.
Availability and product offerings are going to be two important questions. If the coffee roaster only supplies dark roast and light roast is desired, there is no use wasting time with questions because they don’t have the right product. If the roaster does carry the desired product the next piece of information that is need is product availability. How often do they ship and is it consistent? These answers will help make a determination as to whether or not the company is right for home use.
Shipping methods are also important. The coffee roaster should offer the fastest shipping option available to insure that the coffee beans arrive as fresh as possible. This is going to add to the cost of the beans but will ultimately be worth it in flavor. Stale coffee beans can be purchased at the local grocer, only the freshest should come from the roaster.
Ask about discounts if a regular order is scheduled. The roaster will know they have a shipment every month and fresh coffee is guaranteed to be delivered every month. Some roasters will offer discounts for this type of delivery as well as for prepayment; however, only prepay a company that has a solid reputation.
Purchasing coffee directly from the roaster offers consumers the opportunity to get the freshest coffee available and often at prices much less than the local grocer can offer. Additionally, by purchasing directly from the source there are often more varieties to choose from than the grocer can offer. Often, some of the best gourmet coffees must be purchased directly from the roaster or coffee plantation, as they do not sell them to retail stores.
-Sharon Chapman