Coffee Catch-All

Ranger Rick wrote:
krev82 wrote:

On a related note I've seen green (unroasted) beans cropping up in local shops lately, anyone have experience with these?

I've never tried roasting myself (which I assume those are for). I've heard folks do so with those air popcorn poppers for a cheap start to it?

That's what I do. Look for a popcorn popper where the air vents are set in a spiral pattern on the sides of the drum where you put the popcorn (or coffee beans in this case), NOT on the bottom (oils from the beans will get down in there and gum up the works). You put as much coffee in there as you normally would popcorn kernels, put a big bowl underneath to catch the chaff, plug it in, and go.

It takes some trial and error to get the timing right, and it's not the best method if you like very light roasts, because there's an incredibly tiny window in which to cut the power and get anything between "an under-roasted, bitter, sour, grass-tasting mess" and "a medium roast." On the other hand, it's almost impossible to burn the coffee this way, so if you like a medium to dark roast, you can't really screw it up too badly. And it doesn't take long to figure out how to get that more toward the "medium" side if that's what you like.

Protip 1: Do it outside. It will produce an amount of smoke rather less than a barbecue but rather more than a candle.

Protip 2: Get a large sieve to dump the coffee in when it's done roasting so that you can swirl the coffee around in it, exposing it to more air and cooling it faster.

Protip 3: Do not attempt to make popcorn in the same popper you use for coffee.

wanderingtaoist wrote:
Bruce wrote:

Pour a long black into a large cup of ice. Top up with sweetened, condensed milk and enjoy.

Spoiling exquisite bitterness of coffee with cloying sweetness is a huge offense in some parts of the world, you know. On the other hand, the Vietnamese do it the other way round and pour coffee into glasses with condensed milk. Enjoyable.

Some parts of the world have redonk sweet coffee though, like Turkey, where you order dark, medium, or sweet. It's like wine, try everything twice, and drink what you like.

I've come to realize that I have, what I believe to be, a caffeine addiction (hot, black, strong being my only requirement). I get wicked migraines on any day I don't have at least "2 cups" of coffee (~ 1/2 a pot). I was drinking a full pot (or more) by myself before I started cutting back. I'm down to about half a pot, and am trying to get that even lower. I really like my coffee though, so I guess I'll start drinking decaf... I guess.

Anyone else run into this?

Ranger Rick wrote:

I've never tried roasting myself (which I assume those are for). I've heard folks do so with those air popcorn poppers for a cheap start to it?

Yeah, most people use a hot air popcorn popper because the bona fide coffee roasters are rather expensive. I use this one. The only issue with poppers is that they weren't really intended for running as long as it takes to roast coffee let alone a bunch of successive batches of coffee, so most of them don't seem to last terribly long. Some enthusiasts modify their poppers to swap out the fuse or add a temperature control knob, but I don't think any of that is necessary so long as the one you get a popper with the correct wattage.

The popper above takes 1/3 cup of beans and roasting time is roughly 8 minutes per batch. I'll usually go a bit longer on the first batch and shorter on the remaining batches, since the popper is already hot. The best way to cool the beans is to pour them onto a cookie sheet and place that on the stove (turned off), though I use a metal mixing bowl / cake pan instead.

The smoke from roasting coffee is a lot like cigarette smoke in that it tends to linger in a space for a long time--possibly because of the oils in coffee beans. If you have a garage, I'd roast in there. Otherwise, roast outside. The beans won't roast fully if the ambient air temperature is too cold, so that's something to be aware of as well.

You'll want a big bowl in front of the popper while you're roasting to catch the chaff that blows off the coffee. When the roast starts, the beans won't swirl in the popper very well because the water in them makes them too heavy, so you might want to shake the popper a bit to get things moving. Then shake it again near the end to get the trapped chaff out of the mix.

Roasting coffee is a lot like toasting bread in that they stay green for the bulk of the roasting time and then change color quickly near the end, so figure out the timing and then set an alarm so you don't roast too long. Beyond that, just find a good source of beans and give it a shot. I generally order 8 pound sampler sets from Sweet Maria's, which runs about $5 per pound.

In a moment of weakness today, I decided to just grab one of the k-cups at the office to refill my mug (which I usually do by hand with my Aeropress). It wasn't until I took my first sip that I realized I had mistakenly selected a hazelnut flavored variety. I grudgingly finished it off because I really didn't want to just pour it out, but I'm beginning to regret it. There are hints of a repulsive artificial hazelnut note on every breath I've taken in the past hour. Flavored coffee is THE WORST.

</rant>

Wink_and_the_Gun wrote:

I've come to realize that I have, what I believe to be, a caffeine addiction (hot, black, strong being my only requirement). I get wicked migraines on any day I don't have at least "2 cups" of coffee (~ 1/2 a pot). I was drinking a full pot (or more) by myself before I started cutting back. I'm down to about half a pot, and am trying to get that even lower. I really like my coffee though, so I guess I'll start drinking decaf... I guess.

Anyone else run into this?

I have also been there. You can either stick it out for a week or so of headaches, or reduce the amount you drink daily gradually.

Once you're down to three or less regular sized/regular strength cups of coffee a day it should no longer be an issue.

Wink_and_the_Gun wrote:

I've come to realize that I have, what I believe to be, a caffeine addiction (hot, black, strong being my only requirement). I get wicked migraines on any day I don't have at least "2 cups" of coffee (~ 1/2 a pot). I was drinking a full pot (or more) by myself before I started cutting back. I'm down to about half a pot, and am trying to get that even lower. I really like my coffee though, so I guess I'll start drinking decaf... I guess.

Anyone else run into this?

I worked at a "tropical drinks" mall stand for about a year in high school, where I developed an actual caffeine addiction that turned into more of an allergy. I regularly pulled double shifts on the weekends, and I would trade drinks for freshly ground coffee with the people at a gourmet coffee shop over in the food court every day. I drank 6-8 cups on evening shifts during the week, and 14-20 during double shifts on the weekends. Toward the end of that year, I'd get a terrible headache shortly after having a single cup, and I eventually stopped drinking coffee altogether. I'd try it again once or twice a year after that, and it was the same thing. I just recently started drinking coffee again without ill effect (I graduated high school in 1989). The effect extended to other caffeinated drinks as well, but I was able to drink most sodas (NOT Jolt Cola!) after about 5 years.

It looks like the drought and worm problems on the Kona Coast are still going on. Our usual source has not had decaf and many of it's usual selections for months and does not expect things to rebound before November. The Hawaiian bean farms are really suffering this year. The harvest was down 25%, more in some areas.

On the upside, the trees received enough rain to grow without as much fruiting, and so the next crop is expected to be a bumper one. If they can keep the cherry borers off, then we should see good Kona return to the market later this year.

Sigh. Can't come soon enough for me.

OK, my pour-over experiment is going very well. Happy with the results, but it's definitely time for me to purchase a burr grinder. My budget will only allow something fairly low-end, but at least it will be a big step up from a blade grinder.

The two models I've been looking at are the Capresso Infinity and the Baratza Encore.

Anyone have any opinions on those? Are there other solid, entry-level burr grinders I should be looking at? Is the Baratza worth $40 more than the Capresso? Am I on a fool's errand thinking I can get a good burr grinder for no more than $130?

I'm also interested in the Burr Grinder question. It's time for a new one in our house and I may just go to our local coffee store to buy what they have in stock, they only carry quality products, but I'm curious what others are using and can recommend now. My primary brewing method is press pot at the moment.

Also, B Dog you're in the Triangle, what are you drinking?!? What is your coffee shop of choice?

For those who do not know the splendor. A Vietnamese Ca Phe is a magical thing. Find a vietnamese bistro and go now!

My Bialetti Moka 6-Cup Espresso Maker arrived and this thing is tiny! I was expecting something a bit bigger for 6 cups, even if its 6 espresso "cups" (I guess a single espresso shot is 1 oz, right?). I can only fit 2 scoops of grounds in the reservoir, as it advises against tamping.

B Dog wrote:

The two models I've been looking at are the Capresso Infinity and the Baratza Encore.

Anyone have any opinions on those? Are there other solid, entry-level burr grinders I should be looking at? Is the Baratza worth $40 more than the Capresso? Am I on a fool's errand thinking I can get a good burr grinder for no more than $130?

I have been using my Capresso for a couple of years and have been satisfied enough with it that I bought my parents one last year as well. I don't have experience with other more expensive grinders, so I can't comment on whether you're better off going for it or spending more for the Baratza.

jonfentyler wrote:

I'm also interested in the Burr Grinder question. It's time for a new one in our house and I may just go to our local coffee store to buy what they have in stock, they only carry quality products, but I'm curious what others are using and can recommend now. My primary brewing method is press pot at the moment.

Also, B Dog you're in the Triangle, what are you drinking?!? What is your coffee shop of choice?

Yeah, I'm tiring of hand-grinding, but $100-something bucks seems kinda crazy when I spent a fraction of that on my actual (Aeropress) coffee maker.

Well, it doesn't meet the budget limit but I've got to say I'm really happy with out Kitchenaid Grinder. I've taken it apart to clean and service and I'm really impressed with the construction. Reminiscent of the Mazzers I used to use back in the day.

jonfentyler wrote:

Also, B Dog you're in the Triangle, what are you drinking?!? What is your coffee shop of choice?

I'm mostly brewing either Larry's Beans or Counter Culture. The Whole Foods in Chapel Hill has an ample variety of freshly roasted local beans from both of them. I usually flag down the person in charge of coffee and find out what's been roasted/delivered most recently.

As for local coffee shops, 3Cups is my favorite. Great coffee and a nice place to hang out, meet a friend, or get some work done.

psoplayer wrote:

I have been using my Capresso for a couple of years and have been satisfied enough with it that I bought my parents one last year as well.

Excellent! Thanks.

LiquidMantis wrote:

Well, it doesn't meet the budget limit but I've got to say I'm really happy with out Kitchenaid Grinder. I've taken it apart to clean and service and I'm really impressed with the construction. Reminiscent of the Mazzers I used to use back in the day.

Link is broken for me.

B Dog wrote:
jonfentyler wrote:

Also, B Dog you're in the Triangle, what are you drinking?!? What is your coffee shop of choice?

I'm mostly brewing either Larry's Beans or Counter Culture. The Whole Foods in Chapel Hill has an ample variety of freshly roasted local beans from both of them. I usually flag down the person in charge of coffee and find out what's been roasted/delivered most recently.

As for local coffee shops, 3Cups is my favorite. Great coffee and a nice place to hang out, meet a friend, or get some work done.

psoplayer wrote:

I have been using my Capresso for a couple of years and have been satisfied enough with it that I bought my parents one last year as well.

Excellent! Thanks.

3cups is great. That's where I buy my coffee hardware. I'm kinda mad they switched from Counter Culture to Intellgentsia coffee, though. Best wine selection (and help) in the Triangle IMO.

jonfentyler wrote:

3cups is great. That's where I buy my coffee hardware. I'm kinda mad they switched from Counter Culture to Intellgentsia coffee, though. Best wine selection (and help) in the Triangle IMO.

I hadn't realized they'd switched. I love going in there for coffee, but for some reason I rarely buy beans there.

I highly, highly recommend the Bodum burr grinder and believe it is the best bang for your buck. It gives a perfectly even grind with no dust. Also, the glass grounds container doesn't allow grounds to stick to it. Also, it's less than $100.

tuffalobuffalo wrote:

I highly, highly recommend the Bodum burr grinder and believe it is the best bang for your buck. It gives a perfectly even grind with no dust. Also, the glass grounds container doesn't allow grounds to stick to it. Also, it's less than $100.

Do you mean this one? That's the only Bodum burr grinder I'm finding. At $120 it's still within my budget, I just want to make sure it's the one you're recommending and there's not another model.

Yeah, that's it. I remember it being cheaper for some reason.

Edit: I used a Cuisinart burr grinder awhile and really disliked the powder it created with a coarse grind. Every other sub $100 grinder I have used had that problem. That had me looking at $200 and up grinders. The Bodum one came out this year and has been perfect for me. I don't think I would stop using it even if someone gave me a $200 grinder.

tuffalobuffalo wrote:

Yeah, that's it. I remember it being cheaper for some reason. :)

Thanks. That one is on my radar now, as well. I like the sound of the glass container, since I'm reading that static electricity is an issue with some of the grinders in terms of coffee grounds ending up everywhere.

Well, it doesn't meet the budget limit but I've got to say I'm really happy with out Kitchenaid Grinder. I've taken it apart to clean and service and I'm really impressed with the construction. Reminiscent of the Mazzers I used to use back in the day.

I also have this grinder, and it has served me well for years.

I recently moved over to using an Aeropress, which I love. I had issues with my french press, primarily having a lack of consistency in the strength of the coffee.

I'm relatively new to coffee. Until about a year ago, I wouldn't touch the stuff. A few friends introduced me to good coffee rather than the rancid battery acid that sat in our office for hours on end, and I loved it. But I am running into a problem. Every time I improve the equipment I have for brewing coffee, I find out why I've gotten the wrong stuff. First, I was buying pre-ground coffee, but I was told that grinding my own beans was better. So I bought a blade grinder, and liked the results. Then I found out that a burr grinder was better, so I bought this, only to be told later that it was an inferior model and would leave dust that would cause problems. I had a french press, but apparently the one I got was cheap, so I bought an Aeropress after seeing people in this thread rave about it, but now I'm being told that the paper filters are inferior to the plastic Disk.

I am loving the process of exploring coffee and the different methods, but I feel like there's no end to this process. I just want a decent cup of coffee, but there's a part of me that keeps wondering if I'm missing a mouthful of liquid angel tears if I don't drop a pretty penny on the nuclear-powered ceramic polished crossbar grinder and the vacuum-drip pulse brewer with Thermawiggle technology.

trichy wrote:

I am loving the process of exploring coffee and the different methods, but I feel like there's no end to this process. I just want a decent cup of coffee, but there's a part of me that keeps wondering if I'm missing a mouthful of liquid angel tears if I don't drop a pretty penny on the nuclear-powered ceramic polished crossbar grinder and the vacuum-drip pulse brewer with Thermawiggle technology.

It is a pretty elusive beast. You think once you get an Aeropress or whatever, it is over with, but it really has only just begun. Coffee making is an art and there are many disciplines.

Anyone here have experience with Moka pots? How do they compare to brews made with an Aeropress?

Any burr grinder and an aeropress will make a great cup of coffee. It would be better to focus on the beans than getting more expensive equipment. I just enjoy getting new gadgets and am opinionated when it comes to coffee.

tuffalobuffalo wrote:

Any burr grinder and an aeropress will make a great cup of coffee. It would be better to focus on the beans than getting more expensive equipment. I just enjoy getting new gadgets and am opinionated when it comes to coffee. :)

But now this thread has me sweating the beans I get. Buy from a local roaster, or order online? Should they be oily, or dry? Do I store them in a tupperware container, or a vacuum-sealed time capsule stuffed into the depths of Moria where the balrog can fend off any oxidizing malevolence? Dark roast or light?

I need a damn cup of coffee to figure out how to brew my cup of coffee.

trichy wrote:

Buy from a local roaster, or order online? Do I store them in a tupperware container? Dark roast or light?

Local roaster is probably best for the "support your community" feel-good aspect, but you can still get good beans online. That's what I do, air tight and room temp is probably all you need. Try both, figure out what you like. (French roast is the only thing I've really disliked so far.)

Edit: and stay as far away from flavored beans as possible.