After seeing @Mick post about roasting coffee at home, I decided to give it a try. I ordered a three pound bad of Nicaraguan green coffee beans and started to read up on coffee roasting on the cheap. I decided the best way to begin was to use the gas grill so I wouldn't get in trouble with my wife (the coffee smokes while roasting). I used a cast iron skillet and heated the grill to 450, and kept it between 400 and 450 even with opening the top to stir the beans. It seemed to go fairly well, but not perfect. However, I learned a lot from the first experience.
First, I found I was over zealous with the amount of beans I tried to roast. It made it impossible to roast the beans evenly. Next time I will only put enough in to cover the bottom of the skillet.
Second, I needed to have a baking sheet or similar item to dump the beans when done. I had to run back in the house to grab one, allowing the beans to cook more.
Third, there's got to be a better way to get rid of the chaff. I used a colander and tossed the beans until the chaff was gone. This worked, but every now and then a couple beans wouldn't land in the colander.
I have to wait until tomorrow before I will truly know if this has been successful. If it is, I will likely start roasting on a regular basis. If the flavor is significantly better than freshly ground whole beans, I may invest in a home roaster in the future.
If anyone has any tips, I would love to hear them.
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First, I found I was over zealous with the amount of beans I tried to roast. It made it impossible to roast the beans evenly. Next time I will only put enough in to cover the bottom of the skillet.
Second, I needed to have a baking sheet or similar item to dump the beans when done. I had to run back in the house to grab one, allowing the beans to cook more.
Third, there's got to be a better way to get rid of the chaff. I used a colander and tossed the beans until the chaff was gone. This worked, but every now and then a couple beans wouldn't land in the colander.
I have to wait until tomorrow before I will truly know if this has been successful. If it is, I will likely start roasting on a regular basis. If the flavor is significantly better than freshly ground whole beans, I may invest in a home roaster in the future.
If anyone has any tips, I would love to hear them.
Sent from my DROID Turbo using Tapatalk