Infinite MonkeysLileks is thinking of home-roasting his own coffee. I've been known to do so. Roast, that is, not just think. I haven't read this particular book, but I really really like this author's first book (3rd ed.) on coffee in general. If I remember correctly, I was kind of ambivalent about his book on espresso.
I use a little Melitta Aromaroast air roaster that works a lot like the early 80's hot air popcorn poppers. You have to quickly dump the beans into a bowl (or a colander that won't melt) and blow on them while mixing with a spoon to improvise a proper cooling cycle. Also, you can see samples of the roast in progress with the right size spoon and a willingness to let your fingers get a little hot. Over time you'll get to the point where you can almost pinpoint the roast by ear and timing. (Here's a tip sheet for the Melitta. Let me mention that green coffee doesn't go bad for a long long time. Some, like some Sumatrans, are intentionally aged green.)
Anyone interested should first get the Davids book. The stove methods in the book are possible, but hard to achieve good results with. Don't judge home roasting by those experiments. From there, buy something inexpensive like the Melitta. Yes, there are rotating-drum gas-powered home roasters that you can spend thousands on. That's your call.
Lastly, let me suggest befriending a local roaster. Get to the point where they're comfortable with you hanging out and talking while they roast in a real full-sized batch roaster. Ask questions, keep your ears and eyes open while they do what they do. I found such stuff invaluable. Furthermore, this roaster will likely become your supplier for green (unroasted) coffee beans. Beyond buying them for considerably less than roasted beans, you may enjoy some charity. Established roasters will often receive unsolicited little packages of beans from importers or plantations as samples. I was lucky enough to have some of these passed directly on to me free of charge.
It's a rewarding little hobby, and one that you can share with your spouse and houseguests. That all-important freshness will be without equal. Go ahead. Indulge you inner DIY epicurean.
Posted by Brad at May 20, 2004 12:29 PM | TrackBack