How to Roast Your Own Coffee

Would you like to enjoy the freshest cup of coffee possible? Did you know it's as simple as combining green coffee beans with a hot air popcorn popper?

Our local organic coffee supplier, Adventure Coffee Roasting, recently loaned me a popper to experience firsthand the delight of home roasting.




Here's a step-by-step tutorial:

1. Place 4 ounces organic green coffee beans in popcorn popper. It is best to do this outside, as the process necessitates the shedding of delectable-smelling chaff. No cleanup is necessary when you're outdoors.
   
   
   
2. Turn on air popper. Watch as the chaff flies into the air. Enjoy the aroma. (If you would like to do this inside, use a plastic hood and keep a bowl underneath the hood for the chaff.)
   
   
   
3. Patiently wait for the beans to turn brown. This takes approximately 3 minutes. Watch for desired color. A dark roast can take as long as 6-8 minutes. Stop when the beans are a shade lighter than your goal.
   
   
   
4. Allow to cool. Pour into colander, if desired, to remove most of the chaff. Remaining chaff will not affect the quality or flavor.
5. Allow the coffee to rest for 6-24 hours. Experienced roasters say the coffee reaches its peak after 24 hours.
6. Grind and enjoy!

I am not a coffee drinker per se; however, I enjoy adding a tad to my favorite hot beverage, Teeccino Herbal Coffee. I also love adding a tablespoon of coconut oil!

Don't have a hot air popcorn popper on hand? Check local thrift stores, eBay, and Amazon, as well as big box stores.

To purchase organic fair-trade green coffee, see these sources:

• Higher Grounds Trading Company
• Dean's Beans
• Seven Bridges Cooperative (offers a more detailed tutorial on home roasting)