Roasting coffee beans on your own is not something that everyone will think about. It is easier to go into a store and choose the one you always drink rather than roast yourself. Most people may think it is not worth it to roast coffee beans yourself as you need to invest time and effort, especially when you can leave it to a professional.
Whether it is worth roasting coffee beans depends on who you are asking. It is generally worth it to roast your own coffee, especially if you are a coffee lover who enjoys the process and how particular you are with your coffee.
But roasting coffee beans on your own definitely allows you to learn a lot, such as the knowledge of coffee beans and the steps of the roasting process. If you haven’t decided to roast your own coffee bean, keep reading on as we discuss the benefits of roasting your own coffee. You may come to a decision at the end of the article.
Roasting Coffee Beans On Your Own #1 - Get To Choose From A Variety Of Coffee Beans
Roasting coffee bean on your own allows you to access a wider variety of coffee beans. You have countless coffee beans to choose from such as Arabica coffee beans, Robusta coffee beans, Excelsa coffee beans and Liberica coffee beans. The options at your local roaster may be limited as they may specialize in certain coffee, but if you choose to roast at home, you get to buy raw coffee beans online, which are grown in almost any country.
Different coffee beans have different coffee flavor profiles; as you practice along the way, you will understand the characteristics of each region and discover new favorite beans.
For example, coffee beans grown at higher elevations are known for their complex flavors and acidity. Coffee beans grown in different countries have their own unique flavor profile. You can experiment with different roasting profiles to bring out the specific flavors of each type of bean.
Roasting Coffee Beans On Your Own #2 - Drinking The Freshest Coffee
Once the coffee beans are roasted, they will lose their essential oils and flavors. This is because, during the roasting process, the beans release gases that can cause the coffee to become stale over time. The most delicious coffee bean flavor comes from its essential oils. The best way to drink the freshest coffee is shortly after they are roasted.
If you purchase coffee beans that are already roasted from the grocery shop, you wouldn’t know how long they have been there. It may not be as fresh as you think. However, when you roast your own raw coffee beans at home, you can ensure that you are drinking your coffee that is as fresh as possible. You can roast the amount of beans that you need for each brewing session to ensure that you are drinking your coffee at its peak flavor.
You can experiment with different roasting times and temperatures to find the perfect profile for your coffee. You get to enjoy each cup of coffee you brew, knowing it is as fresh as possible.
Roasting Coffee Beans On Your Own #3 - Raw Coffee Beans Have Longer Shelf Life
Video Credit: Helena Coffee Vietnam
Raw coffee beans will have a longer shelf life than roasted coffee beans. In general, roasted coffee beans have an average lifespan of around one month if you store them correctly. While green coffee beans can last up to 12 months if you preserve them accordingly.
This means you can buy green coffee beans in bulk and stock up, roasting them in smaller batches whenever you need to ensure your coffee beans last longer. You might even save more money by purchasing raw beans.
Roasting your own beans allows you to control the freshness of your coffee and ensure that you are brewing the best possible cup every time.
Roasting Coffee Beans On Your Own #4 - Control The Roast Level
Since you dictate the roasting process, you have complete control of the roasting level. The roast level is an important factor affecting the coffee’s flavor and aroma. Different roast levels produce different flavor profiles. Roast levels include light roast, medium roast, and dark roast. It can create different tastes from floral to dark and chocolatey.
You can find the perfect profile for your taste preferences by experimenting with different roast levels. Light roast can maximize the caffeine level of the beans. Roast the coffee longer for a deep, dark, strong flavor experience. Adjust the roast time and temperature to bring out specific flavors and aromas in the beans.
You can roast small batches each time you roast your coffee beans. It allows you to fine-tune the roast level for each batch. Whether you prefer a light and delicate cup or a dark and full-bodied brew, roasting coffee beans on your own allows you to achieve the roast level you want each time.
Roasting Coffee Beans On Your Own #5 - Learn As You Go
You will not be right the first time you roast the coffee bean. But with a few mistakes along the way, you will pick up the skill and get better at the roasting process. You will produce better cups of coffee each time. You will definitely have a tremendous amount of satisfaction by roasting your own coffee beans.
Roasting coffee beans on your own is a learning experience that allows you to improve your roasting skills and knowledge of coffee continuously. As you roast each time, you will have a better understanding of the roasting process and how it affects the flavor and aroma of the coffee.
You may notice subtle differences in the quality and flavor of the beans, which can help you develop a deeper appreciation for the complexity of coffee and the art of roasting. It can be a rewarding hobby that allows you to learn and grow constantly. You can join coffee events and workshops to further your knowledge and skills.
Roasting coffee beans on your own is a journey of discovery that allows you to explore new flavors, experiment with different roasting techniques, and deepen your understanding of coffee. It may take a bit of practice to succeed, but it is definitely worth it.