The deep aroma of freshly brewed coffee can be intense and inviting.
But for some people, the key word "fresh" is translating into an even more hands-on approach than simply punching the button on the coffee maker.
These coffee hobbyists want to savor the aroma and flavor, from the roasting to the sipping.
Roasting beans at home is drawing a following of people willing to learn the technique and spend the time it takes just to get the freshest joe possible.
Because of its intricacy, Jenna Aukerman, owner and director of personnel at Great Plains Coffee Roasting Co. in The Empire Mall, knows there aren't a lot of home-roasting fans in Sioux Falls.
"It's something that's much more popular for people on the coasts who are more educated about coffee," she says. "We don't have a lot of people who understand the roasting process, much less want to do it at home."
But with all the coffee shops and avid java lovers in Sioux Falls, that could change.
"It is definitely a growing issue with people who really just love fresh coffee," Aukerman says.
And that's exactly what you'll get.
Home roasting coffee beans means you're achieving the ultimate freshness in a cup. You're buying raw green beans and roasting them right there in your home, versus coffee shop roasters doing the work for you.
But it doesn't come easily. Understanding the process and learning the technique takes time, persistence and patience.
"It's easy to roast coffee. It's tough to do it well," says Jon Brudvig, also an owner and director of operations at Great Plains. "Anyone can put beans in a roaster and turn them brown; but to do it right takes a lot of practice and knowledge.
"It's a little more involved than most people might think."
But if you're really willing, don't let that discourage you, coffee addicts. It can be worth it.
Corey Gerlach roasts his own coffee beans three days a week at home. He roasts when he's camping, too.
"Those who roast at home are not in it because it's cheap. They do it because they enjoy it," he says.
Brudvig agrees.
"This is someone who is really interested in the process - a hobbyist," he says.
About roasting at home
Roasting coffee was part of the daily life for many in the early 1900s. Buying coffee was expensive, and coffee shops were a luxury. Therefore, Americans would roast raw beans over their fireplaces or out on their porch. The taste may not have been sublime at that time, but the sweet, smokey smells that filled their homes were rewarding enough.
Today, many aren't willing to take that time. But once the equipment is at hand and the steps are learned, the actual roasting process takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Honest.
"It depends on the type of roaster you have," Brudvig says. "Roasters that use hot air to roast the beans - those are pretty quick, as quick as five minutes, but that's for a lighter roast."
So the more time you take to roast, the darker the bean and the smokier the taste.
"The longer you roast, the more you lose the flavors that are present in the bean, but you also create more."
But coffee taste is subjective. That means, along with freshness, one of the major benefits of roasting at home is that, with time and practice, you can find a technique that achieves your favorite taste.
"Everything depends upon personal preference, what style and taste you want," says Gerlach, who also roasts for Black Sheep Coffee & Roasting.
Let's talk equipment. Do you have a popcorn popper?
"It just depends on how you like to do it, but air popcorn poppers are functional," Gerlach says. "Online also is an endless list of products you can use at home."
Brudvig also says people have been using popcorn poppers for years.
"It's a real-scaled down version of what professional roasters use," he says.
If not a popcorn popper, a pan or a wok or even roasting in your oven will do. Depending on how much you're willing to spend, many sophisticated stovetop coffee roasters are sold in stores and online.
"You get what you pay for," Aukerman says. "If you want something that'll just turn beans brown, a popcorn popper will get it done. And it is better than buying stale grocery store beans."
Some coffee drinkers down a cup before work. Some drink three or four throughout the day. Some carry along Thermos'-full tending to their caffeine kick. Wherever you are in the scheme of coffee drinkers, however much becomes your vice, to begin roasting beans at home is a new step for those who really appreciate their java.
Aukerman advises beginning roasters to get informed. It's not a hobby that is learned in a day.
"Read about coffee and what happens during this process, what affects the taste," she says. "A basic understanding of how roasting works, the basic chemical reactions and how everything is affected would be good to know."
And don't give up, Brudvig says.
"Don't expect success right away," he says. "Just get to know your tastes."
Roasting coffee beans at home
