Dixie's Roasting Co.

Our Roasting Process

COFFEE ROASTING

Coffee roasting is a chemical process by which aromatics, acids and other flavor components are either created, balanced or altered in a way that should augment the flavor, acidity, aftertaste and body of the coffee as desired by the roaster.

Roasting Coffee Beans

The first stage of coffee roasting is endothermic (beans absorb heat). The green beans are slowly dried to become a yellow color, and the beans begin to smell like toast or popcorn.

The second step, often called the first crack, occurs at approximately 205 °C (400 °F) in which the bean doubles in size, becomes a light brown color and experiences a weight loss of approximately 5%.

In the next step, the temperature rises from 205 °C to approximately 220 °C, the color changes from light brown to medium brown and a weight loss of approximately 13% occurs. The resulting chemical process is called pyrolysis and is characterized by a change in the chemical composition of the bean as well as a release of CO2.

The next step is followed by a short endothermic period, which is followed by another exothermic (beans release heat) step called the second crack. This second pyrolysis occurs between 225-230°C, and the coffee roast color is defined as medium-dark brown. The second pop is much quicker sounding and the beans take on an oily sheen. Roasting coffee well into the second pop or darker is not favorable since volatile aromatic compounds are stripped off and oils on the outside of the coffee bean are more easily oxidized.

Unfortunately in America, the trend is to roast coffee to a dark black, with a bright-shiny surface and a final temperature of 240°C. This type of roast is often preferred since it masks poor blending, dirty machines and stale coffee.

Every coffee will taste different at different roast degrees. A roast will bring out certain nuances that will be favorable to amplify.

GRINDING COFFEE BEANS

For proper extraction, it is essential to grind coffee properly. Freshly grinding the beans before brewing coffee is one of the most important steps for achieving a quality cup of coffee. Coffee should not be ground more than two minutes before brewing or major staling (oxidation) begins to take place.

Coffee Grinders: Bur, Blade Coffee Grinder Reviews

There are two main types of coffee bean grinders available. Blade coffee grinders sell for about $20, grind the bean unevenly and are messy. Burr coffee grinders are about $60-$125, grind evenly and are clean and easy. The extra investment is one of the best you will make as burr grinders improve both the coffee quality and the ease of brewing.

For any scientific analysis, a blade grinder is unacceptable due to its lack of reproducibility.

Burrs should be replaced periodically (every 600-2000 lbs of coffee), but for typical home use, it is only necessary to clean the burrs.

Coffee Beans Grinding Guide

Each coffee brewing method requires a different grind size: Drip coffee requires a medium size grind; espresso requires a fine size grind; a French press requires the largest grind size, while the vacuum pot also requires the largest grind size. For coffee cupping, it is preferred to use a French press grind size.

COFFEE BREWING

The coffee brewing methods discussed below are recommended since they have been found to maximize the extraction of the beneficial flavors of coffee while minimizing the extraction of bitter coffee compounds and undesirable components.

Procedure of Making Coffee: Directions

Coffee should be brewed for 4.5-5 minutes using a ratio of 55 grams of ground coffee per liter of filtered water (195-205°F). It is convenient to use two tablespoons of coffee per six ounces of filtered water. Filtered water and spring water are recommended. Tap water imparts off flavors to the coffee and some minerals are essential to coffee flavor. Distilled water is not recommended for brewing coffee as it lacks the minerals to bring out the natural flavors of the coffee.

French Press: The best way to control the time and temperature is to use a French press coffee maker. The French press offers unparalleled flavor due to perfect extraction time and delivery of the volatile oils that are often trapped in paper filters. A French press is also the least expensive coffee brewer available. To make coffee in a French press: boil the correct amount of water, freshly grind the coffee beans using a course setting, remove the plunger, place the coffee grounds at the bottom of the glass, add the hot water, stir by shaking, and after 4-5 minutes, press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the extracted coffee. Note: You do not want to pour boiling water directly onto the coffee. The goal is to brew coffee at a temperature between 195-205°F.

Automatic Drip Coffee Makers: MoccaMaster Clubline KB 741 with the insulated carafe is probably the best drip brewer available on the market.

To brew coffee in a drip brewer, place a thick paper filter in the brewing cone (basket) and thoroughly wet with water. This helps remove the paper taste from the filter. Then, freshly grind the coffee using a medium grinder setting. As the water begins to boil, pour the coffee into the coffee filter. Now as the water pours over the coffee, shake the basket to ensure an even extraction. If your brewer has a hot plate under a glass carafe, remove the carafe after the coffee is fully brewed to prevent the coffee from burning.

Espresso: Making espresso is a bit more difficult than the above brewing methods and Dixie’s offers training on espresso extraction along with espresso machine sales and maintenance.