How to control variables affecting consistency in specialty coffee roasting
You’ve probably always expected that roasters or yourself roasting at home can reproduce the same flavor profiles every time. However, during the roasting of specialty coffee, there are many factors that can affect product consistency such as temperature, time, humidity, air volume, etc. How to address these variables and ensure that each batch of specialty coffee has its own distinctive flavor and aroma? Let’s find out with XLIII Coffee!
The factor that breaks the consistency in each batch of specialty coffee
Ensuring that every roast is of good quality and consistency is one of the biggest challenges of coffee roasting. Because many factors can affect the roasting process, such as climatic conditions, the freshness of the coffee beans, or even unwanted errors by the roaster.
Uneven temperature
The biggest variable affecting batch consistency is the ability of each batch of coffee to maintain a constant temperature during roasting, says Morten, a coffee roasting expert in Denmark. Any variation in heat in the roaster can cause the ingredients in the beans to transform in different ways, resulting in uneven roasting. This can happen even though input parameters such as temperature, rotational speed, airflow, etc. are kept unchanged.”
Besides, the ability to transfer heat in and out of the coffee roaster will also affect the consistency, including the temperature of the air around the roaster. For example, a coffee roaster can reach the desired temperature in the summer more quickly than in the winter. Conversely, the roaster may need more time to preheat to the right temperature on cold days. For starters, not knowing the effects of ambient temperature can result in a day's roast with inconsistent color, ripeness, and flavor. Morten also said that most roasters know that the day's first batch is usually Roast. The main cause is that the coffee roaster has not been heated enough by preheating only. This is a common problem with most coffee roasters. So the roaster must understand how the roaster operates, the ambient temperature, and adjust the settings to achieve the desired color and Agtron rating.
Coffee lot size per roast
In addition to temperature, Morten notes that batch size affects roasting consistency. If the number of beans put into the roaster is different, but the roaster keeps the old settings, the beans will ripen unevenly due to the process, and the heat exposure time of each batch will be extra. Therefore, each different batch size needs to develop a new roast profile.
To do this, Morten recommends that roasters use an infrared (IR) temperature sensor to measure consistency when changing batch sizes. On the Stronghold S7X and other roasters with an IR temperature sensor, measurements of different-sized coffee batches are very accurate. These sensors only measure the surface temperature of the coffee beans without being affected by the surrounding temperature – something conventional temperature sensors cannot do. From there, the roaster can rely on the indicators to change the heating levels in the roast. However, this only applies when roasting the same coffee on the same machine.
How roasters homogenize the quality of their roasts
Taste is the most important criterion for consistency, of which 80% is determined by the color of the coffee beans and the remaining 20% is determined by the roasting time. Therefore, roasters often focus on building and maintaining strict roasting records so that each batch of coffee is uniform. This is mostly based on the experience of the worker, so roasters often choose a roaster with good skills and the ability to concentrate during the roasting process to recognize the different stages of roasting, from the dry stage, first crack stage, second crack stage, until the end stage. They also invest in using coffee roasters that can precisely and consistently adjust the temperature and roasting time. With the supporting machine, the roaster can easily control the roasting temperature and time well to help the roasting level, color, and flavor of coffee beans be more stable.
Additionally, Morten said Coffee Mind and Stronghold did research and found that the roaster operating process is the deciding factor for consistency. Roasters can improve their texture by collecting and analyzing data after each process. Start by tracking basic metrics like roasting time, end temperature, and rate of change in grain weight; Note, record the variables on each roaster to find the cause of the inconsistency; Test, compare results with different roasters, roasting modes and analyze to discover influencing factors and establish the suitable profiles for your coffees. Based on the research, Morten recommends some guidelines on how to operate the roaster to achieve the best results such as:
- Keep equal distance between roasts (to ensure a stable temperature in the roasting chamber)
- Heating (increasing the temperature) before roasting larger batches of coffee or when the ambient temperature changes
- Quickly reheat the machine after finishing a batch
- Roast the first batch manually to minimize the effect of the cold roaster
As can be seen, the journey to make delicious, stable quality coffee specialties is not an easy thing. Besides strict standards in production and preliminary processing, the roasting stage also requires efforts from workers. If you want to experience specialty coffees with the original flavor, the same roasting configuration, come to XLIII Coffee!
Articles you may be interested in
- The first IWCA conference held in Africa marked a 20-year development journey
- Nyagishiru #1552 Coffee brings happiness to Burundi community
Bài viết mới
- Protect the Origin
Transparent Specialty Coffee: Conveying Truth and Value
Perhaps the most magical aspect of enjoying a cup of specialty coffee lies not only in its refined flavors but also in the story behind each bean. What truly sets specialty coffee apart is transparency—a commitment to bringing the raw truth from its origin. Transparent specialty coffee reflects every process and value, creating a sustainable connection between farmers, producers, and consumers. This brings a deep and authentic spiritual value to each cup, a mirror of sincerity and dedication.
- Describe the Origin
Coffee roasting companies – New standards and processes
Coffee roasting companies are not simply places where coffee beans are processed; it plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and value of the product. Defined by their ability to select premium raw materials and precisely control the roasting process, these companies help unlock the unique flavor potential of each coffee type. As a key link in the coffee supply chain, roasting companies connect farmers with consumers, ensuring product quality and building consumer trust by meeting the growing demand for rich and distinctive coffee flavors.
- Describe the Origin
Whole bean coffee prices – A picture of various influences
The market for whole bean coffee is constantly changing, influenced by factors such as species, harvest seasons, growing regions, and trade trends. These fluctuations affect not only farmers but also consumer decisions. What are the key factors driving coffee prices, and how can consumers find a coffee that balances quality and price? This article will analyze the factors that impact whole bean coffee prices and provide useful insights to help consumers make informed decisions.
- Taste the Origin
Specialty Coffee in Vietnam – A turning point or a distant dream?
Vietnam is globally recognized for its coffee production, ranking second in the world for Robusta exports, just behind Brazil. However, sheer volume is not enough to meet the demands of the increasingly sophisticated global coffee market. Recognizing this, Vietnam has begun focusing on specialty coffee, making efforts to cultivate Arabica beans and enhance processing techniques. Despite some initial achievements, reaching the strict international standards of specialty coffee remains a significant challenge. The question is: Can Specialty Coffee in Vietnam make its mark on the global stage?
- Find the Origin
Whole bean coffee: Discovering the perfect experiences
You may have heard the term “whole bean coffee” when exploring the world of coffee. But do you really understand what this type of coffee is and why it’s the preferred choice for true coffee lovers? For those who want to savor the pure, original flavor of every coffee bean, whole bean coffee is the key to unlocking a fascinating journey of taste. Let’s dive deeper into what makes whole bean coffee so special and find the perfect choice for you!
- Taste the Origin
The Specialty Coffee experience awakens all senses
Have you ever taken a moment to savor every aspect of a cup of coffee? Each sip offers more than just the vibrant acidity reminiscent of various plants and fruits; it’s an invitation to challenge your senses. With every cup, we seem to refine our palate, patience, and imagination to keep up with the complex flavors dancing on our tongues. The Specialty Coffee experience offers a gateway to exploring the rich coffee culture from different parts of the world. Could these special beans provide a fresh perspective on a daily beverage we’ve grown so accustomed to?
- Taste the Origin
The flavors of Specialty Coffee: A World of complexity
Have you ever wondered about the hidden flavors in a cup of coffee? The rich layers of aromas that surprise your senses as soon as the coffee touches your nose, stimulating your taste buds and evoking emotions? Specialty coffee is a journey of exploration just like that. With its diversity and complexity, the flavors of specialty coffee carry the essence of where it originates—from the coffee variety to the soil, from processing methods to roasting techniques. But how can we truly recognize and fully appreciate these flavors? Join XLIII Coffee as we dive deeper into the art of specialty coffee!
- Taste the Origin
Descriptive Assessment in Coffee: The flavor understanding
In the specialty coffee industry, understanding the sensory attributes of products is crucial for meeting market demands and enhancing coffee value. One of the most powerful tools to achieve this is the Descriptive Assessment in coffee. Let’s explore this method in detail, including its implementation process and its importance in the coffee industry.
- Describe the Origin
Resting Coffee: What is ideal time from roasting to resting?
Resting coffee (the coffee resting period) is a crucial step in enhancing and reaching the peak flavor of these small but powerful beans. This relatively short period plays a decisive role in creating a rich and balanced cup of coffee. This raises the question: why is coffee resting necessary, and what happens during this time? Let’s explore the chemical changes inside the coffee beans to find the answers with XLIII Coffee.
- Taste the Origin
What is coffee crust? Why is it important in cupping?
When participating in coffee cupping, you’ll encounter an essential term: coffee crust. This is not just the layer that forms on the surface after pouring hot water over ground coffee, but it also plays a crucial role in evaluating the flavor and quality of the coffee. To gain a deeper understanding of coffee crust and its significance, let’s dive into the details of this process.
- Taste the Origin
Revealing the attributes of Specialty Coffee
A cup of Specialty Coffee is not just an ordinary beverage; it’s a journey through layers of flavors and refined sensations. Attributes of specialty coffee are like fresh stroke of color, creating a perfect picture—from the enticing aroma to the lasting aftertaste. Have you ever wondered what sets apart a regular coffee from a high-quality Specialty Coffee? Or why these attributes are so crucial in the coffee world? Let’s dive into each aspect with XLIII Coffee to better understand the art and science behind every sip of specialty coffee.