Coffee

For years, the idea of roasting your own coffee beans has been kept a mystery by the coffee roasting industry. It had been deemed “too hard” or “too complicated”. Well these are new times and the truth is out; it’s easy, fun and economical and it can be done in a number of ways using items you probably already own!

There is nothing like a cup of coffee that has been freshly roasted, ground and brewed to perfection. There are a growing number of enthusiasts who are roasting their own coffee beans and enjoying the benefits of truly fresh coffee at about one-third of the price of beans from your local coffee shop.

All that is needed to roast your own coffee beans at home is green coffee beans, available from a number of sources, an oven, cookie sheet, oven mitt, metal colander and a wooden spoon. Preheat your oven to 500F, spread raw beans evenly one layer deep on a cookie sheet, place on middle rack of preheated oven and watch them roast. In about 8-10 minutes there will be a crackling noise and smoke with a coffee essence. At this point the roast moves quickly and you need to pay close attention. About 2-3 minutes after the crackling, your coffee beans should be at the shade you like them. Carefully (using the oven mitt) remove the cookie sheet from the oven and pour the beans into the metal colander. Stir the beans with the wooden spoon to help cool quickly. Do this over a sink or outside, as there is chaff that comes off the beans during roasting. And remember; NEVER leave your roasting coffee beans unattended.

Almost any appliance used to pop popcorn can be used to roast coffee beans. The hot air poppers are great, however, you may want to roast outside or in your garage as they blow the chaff out and can be messy. There are a number of manufacturers of home coffee roaster, including several that use a gas grill and rotisserie.

The internet is full of sources to purchase raw beans, but you want to make sure that the supplier you use knows their beans and “cups” their coffee before selling it to you. One of the most reputable sources for green coffee beans is U-Roast-Em, Inc., a high quality, no frills supplier with 30 years in the industry. They can be found at http://www.u-roast-em.com on the web. Many other sources can be found using your favorite search engine. If you’re interested in using a gas grill to roast your beans, check out http://www.rkdrums.com or http://www.buzzroasters.com. For electric, countertop-type coffee roasters, visit http://www.freshbeansinc.com.

Green, raw coffee beans last for years when properly stored. This allows you to build a collection of fine coffees to choose from as well as buy larger amounts of the great coffees and save more money. Keep your bean collection in a cool, dry place out of any direct sun light and they will last until you roast them. As coffee ages it loses acidity and becomes more mellow. Many like the rich mild cup of a coffee that has had a couple years to rest and mellow. More important than the year of the crop is the quality of the bean, the preparation at origin, transportation and warehousing in country of consumption. If all of these things are done correctly, your green coffee will last for years. Suppliers who know how to cup samples of coffee beans are able to determine if all of these criteria are done correctly before they purchase the beans.

Home roasting is one the fastest growing hobbies in the country and for good reason. It’s fun, easy, saves you money and delivers a cup of coffee like you never thought was possible. Join in the fun and start roasting your own coffee beans.

Jim Cameron is a 30 year veteran in the specialty coffee roasting industry. Jim has authored many articles on various aspects of the industry and traveled abroad to speak at international gatherings of coffee proffessionals. Semi retired, Jim now writes on the subject of roasting and makes green coffee beans available to the home roasting market at his web site: http://www.u-roast-em.com

Author: Jim Cameron
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Antique coffee grinders create a natural coarseness and aromatic flavor of coffee. It is used manually. Aside from this, it is made of wood with metal patterns and designs.

This kind of grinder takes more time before it can achieve finely grind coffee beans, yet it is definitely worth it. Moreover, it is an attractive kitchen décor that showcases an important historical tradition of everyday coffee experiences.

Parker Nation coffee is the oldest regarded coffee grinder with a bronze finish. It was made in Connecticut, US and was formed in 1905. More antique coffee grinders are still in good quality and still being used.

There are many reasons why some coffee fanatics still go for the conventional way of grinding their coffee.

Antique coffee grinders are generally left unpainted because of the natural wood shine finish of its box. The handles along the sides are made from cast iron with intricate designs, for a more appealing look. A small door on the box upper portion is designed for the coffee beans. Grounded coffee falls to its bottom drawer or the collection box once the propeller turns. It is similar to vacuum coffee makers.

These grinders have 2 blades, namely; the disc blades and the cone-shaped blades. Disc blades grind faster and are more accurate compared to conical blades. Blade grinders have single blades that grind more finely and at very high speed.

Antique coffee grinders come in different shapes, sizes designs and blades. Traditional models that sit on top of kitchen counters have handles for grinding beans.

Wall mounted coffee grinders are rare but are exceptionally beautiful. Origins are noted to be of German or French descent. Designs include a porcelain face of a man and woman praying in the filed.

The 1920 design is sleek. It has clean lines running through its mill. Moreover, it favors the Art Deco design with a stylish look. Most models of antique coffee grinders are simple yet attractive.

Functionality

This kind of coffee grinder hand grinds coffee beans in less than 2 minutes by using its handles. A finer grind of espresso would take a longer time, about 6 minutes.

Antique Burr Coffee Grinders grind coffee beans to more even sizes. A propeller needs to be turned in a clockwise manner as it grinds the beans. Then, it passes it onto the collection box. You can have a filter drip coffee when you turn it halfway in a clockwise motion. A grind for a French press should be turned in a 3/4 anti-clockwise manner.

Antique coffee grinders are an attractive alternative to modern coffee grinders. They work more quietly compared to its electric counterparts. It provides freshly aromatic coffee grounds and does not overheat the coffee. The construction appears good and almost breakable.

Antique coffee grinders are easy to maintain. Aside from being dishwasher-friendly, its exteriors only need to be cleaned after every usage. Its drive shaft is made with nylon or brass bearings, not requiring any lubrication or maintenance.

Zero pH body soaps can be used for the exterior wood finishing. Avoid using high alkaline content soaps or dish washing solutions on woods.

Burrs can be cleaned with the use of 1/3 cup rice, and then grinding it. You can unscrew the burrs in order to get the remaining sediments from the grinder. Cleaning with a toothbrush is a much better option.

For more information on Coffee Grinders and Types of Coffee Grinders please visit our website.

Author: David Urmann
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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