Dave:
I have been roasting for a few years. I love the quality and the ability to experiment with various coffees, blends, roasting times and temperatures. It is also economical: I can order excellent green beans for as little $6/lb. (the beans lose about 15% of their weight during roasting, so the roasted bean cost is about $7/lb.). It is, however, a lot easier to just order roasted beans and the quality and type available nowadays is excellent. Years ago, my wife and I brewed beer, but in those days there were few beers beyond Miller, Bud, etc.; we don't bother now that so many wonderful beers are available. Roasting your own needs to be something you want to do, otherwise it's just another chore. I use a simple, inexpensive roaster which basically is a modified heat gun that uses a heating element and fan to heat and agitate the beans. I have been using an older model of this one:
https://coffeeproject.com/roasters/fresh-roast/fresh-roast-sr540-coffee-roaster.html
Matt is correct about the smoke. I roast in the garage with the rear door ajar and the garage door as least partially open. The Coffee Project is an excellent source of information and beans, as is Sweet Maria's mentioned by Matt.
Tom
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Whew! It has been awhile for me. The pandemic has been devastating in more ways than one, including taking us away from enjoying life... and coffee.:banghead:
Tom, my apologies.
So, with a cup of coffee in hand, I return to your post. Thanks so much for that information!
Roasting sounds like fun but problematic for us. The little space in which we spend most of our days is not likely to allow for my indulgence in roasting but it sure is tempting! However, there is a coffee shop and roaster in a little town a short drive from here and the owner has a good selection of beans. I will have to sample his Guatemalan roast soon.
Thinking back over the past six months, coffee in the morning has been one of those survival strategies that I fully embrace. While my opportunities for shooting MF have been restricted, the morning coffee ritual has become a welcome time of reconciliation with life in general.
We sometimes take it for granted, but that little white cup with the "nectar of the gods" is, for me, as important as listening to the Mockingbirds singing at sunrise. I never tire of that peaceful solitude.
Roasting will for now, be a daydream to which I can return and imagine the aroma and taste that so many enjoy.
Perhaps, today will be a good day to use a roll of TriX in the 'Blad. Pairing film and coffee is an art in itself.:thumbup:
Edit: Tom, for some reason that link does not work for me. 404 error.
