Want to improve the quality of the cup from your espresso machine or coffee maker? Well, your next step may be a home coffee roaster. How is it done? Basically, you place green coffee beans into a home model coffee roaster, set the timer select switch, and let the coffee roaster turn the green beans into freshly roasted beans. The process usually ranges 12 to 19 minutes depending upon the degree of roast darkness you would like to achieve and depending upon the home coffee roaster you are using.

The two current home coffee roasters leading the way are the Hearthware Precision (All Black) coffee roaster and the Home Innovations (Black and White) coffee roaster. These units are exceptional for producing the bright, high notes in the coffee beans. The nicest part of the Hearthware is that you can see the 3 oz's of beans changing color during the roasting process and they produce less smoke than some larger roasters. Yes, there is some smoke, so it is best to roast under the range's hood that exhausts to the outside or roast outside.

As some of you have been waiting for, the Alpenrost (currently scheduled for delivery to us the week of Dec 17th) is another excellent roaster for those wishing the low, mellow tones of a good coffee bean. Although you can not see the roasting process, the Alpenrost allows a greater capacity (8 oz) to roast per batch. And, of course, there will be more smoke which can be funneled through an outside window. I do say outside since we had one customer complain that his smoke alarm went off when he was funneling the smoke through his window - that is, the window between his living room and dining area.

Once your green coffee beans are roasted, they need to de-gas for 24 hours. This process is to allow the carbon dioxide escape from the beans which remain cooking inside. Once degassed, it is best to store your freshly roasted beans in an airtight container, and do not forget to give some to neighbors and family!

Personally, I must admit that once you experience freshly roasted coffee, you can no longer drink the stuff sold in supermarkets or fast food chains.

And, this leads us to our next topic: Where do I get green coffee beans from? Well, 1st-Cup Coffee Company also sells high quality green beans at exceptionally competitive prices. In fact, we have a new green coffee called Malabar GOLD custom blended for espresso. Try some, and you'll be glad you did! We also have a wide selection of other green coffees which can last six months to one year un roasted (as compared to a 7 day shelf life for roasted coffees). View our green coffees here!