Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Hunt Slade on August 16, 2009 at 8:04am

Single best resource for learning to roast: www.sweetmarias.com

Permalink Reply by Ralph Behrendt on August 16, 2009 at 9:16am

I concur. Sweet Marias has a wealth of info on roasting. Also, check out any of the other sites dedicated to home roasters. Other than that, --as the commercial says " JUST DO IT ".

Permalink Reply by Joe Marrocco on August 25, 2009 at 8:10am

You can also check out the Roaster's Guild. See if you have a roaster in your area and ask them if you can hang out a bit. Read. Read. Read.

Permalink Reply by Brandon Gott on August 31, 2009 at 7:39am

2 good books by Kenneth Davids on roasting http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-... are a great resource.

I would recommend just starting it over the stove with a whirley pop, and learn the nuances of the roast. It's the mose inexpensive way to start.

Permalink Reply by Patrick Bock on September 4, 2009 at 9:34am

I believe Dietrich coffee roasters offers a free two day roasting workshop in Idaho. There are also a lot of good roasting workshops at the coffee trade shows.

When I started I just went out and bought a 6 pound roasted and started roasting. Coffee was very bad for a few months, people still bought it. I befriended a large local roasting company that had a go reputation. Asked if I could buy small batches of green beans. I had a very limited budget. I would buy 10 pounds at a time. When I pick up I would hang out with the roaster ask him about everything and watch him roast. Eventually I got good. The thing I would recommend to start out. Don't buy a roaster that is to big. Get a 8 to 15 pound roaster. It is a lot easier to roast in full batches than try to roast ten pounds in a 50 pound roaster and you don't want 50 pounds of coffee sitting around when your not selling that much. Also if you make a mistake less lose. I personal like Primo Roasters. Keep the roaster clean. Roasting profiles will change at coffee goo builds up inside the roaster.