May 25 2010
Green Coffee
Green coffee beans are coffee beans that have not been roasted. These are the product that is left after the coffee tree’s fruit has been harvested and processed to remove the thick outer pulp that hides the prized coffee bean inside. The green coloration turns many different shades of brown and even black during the roasting process. The longer the bean is roasted, the darker it becomes.
Many people have begun to roast their own coffee beans. This is not a new process but it has undergone many changes due to the invention of different types of home roasters. In order to roast coffee at home, consumers must first find a supplier of green coffee beans. The Internet has many options and can point consumers to the perfect coffee plantation from which to order their green beans.
In order to roast coffee at home there are some crucial elements that must be present, regardless of the type of roaster or equipment used to get the job done.
Green and Roasted Coffee Beans
First, the beans have to reach temperatures ranging from 370 degrees Fahrenheit to 540 degrees Fahrenheit. The faster that the air current is moving through the coffee beans, the lower the temperature can be.
Next, the coffee beans must be in motion continuously to prevent them from burning or having an uneven roast.
Once the roasting process is complete the coffee beans must be quickly cooled down to stop the roasting and prevent them from accidentally burning.
Home coffee roasting must be done be properly ventilated to allow the smoke that is created during roasting to escape.
Lastly, at the end of the roasting process the beans will have shed their outer skin and left a messy substance called chaff that must be cleaned up.
Home roasting might sound as though it will be complicated but it really isn’t. There are many different methods and even commercially made coffee roasters that will do the job quickly and with less work than some of the more primitive methods.
Roasting coffee without an expensive roaster is as simple as pulling out the stovetop popcorn popper. These are older pots that have a handle on the top for stirring and can get as hot as needed. The temperature should be measured using a candy or deep fry thermometer to maintain a constant, steady temperature and prevent scorching. Make sure to turn the stove’s exhaust fan on to help eliminate the smoke that will appear in four to eight minutes after starting the process.
The coffee beans will begin to make cracking sounds about the same time the smoke appears. This is when it is important to check the bean about every minute, as they will change colors fast and frequently. The darkness of the roast is up to the individual.
When the desired roast has been reached the coffee should be removed from the heat immediately, placed in a metal strainer or colander, and allowed to cool. Tossing the beans will help to cool the beans and separate the chaff from the beans for easier removal.
Home roasting allows coffee drinkers to roast their coffee to their exact level of darkness and have more control over the flavor of the coffee. Finding a good supply of green coffee beans and getting either a commercial type coffee roaster or a stove top popcorn popper are all that is necessary to roast coffee beans at home.
-Sharon Chapman
Also, you can read more on green coffee beans at Coffee Beans 101.