Roasting Basics - Books?

[sal930]

Hi All,

I was wondering if any of you experienced roasters can recommend a roasting for beginners book? I'm not looking to master it overnight, but rather get a basic understand of how/why we do everything we do when roasting. For example, why we drop at a certain temp, why we keep the airflow the way it is, why we raise the temperature when we do, etc.

Any recommendations appreciated?

Thanks!

 

[Redswing]

Here are three old threads that hit on your question. In addition, check out SweetMarias.com

http://www.coffeeforums.com/forum/coffee-table/12620-good-coffee-books.html
http://www.coffeeforums.com/forum/coffee-table/10714-would-like-coffee-book-recommendations.html
http://www.coffeeforums.com/forum/coffee-table/5688-good-book-coffee.html


edit: what is your roasting experience as of now?

 

[sal930]

Thanks for posting the links, I'll give a run-through and see what looks interested. I may also go for the Roaster's Companion, the new book by Scott Rao... Although unfortunately that one is not available on Kindle.

My experience is very little... I've roaster a few times here and there, some sample roasts, but I don't have any understand on why we are doing what we are doing... I'm looking to gain a better understanding, but on a basic level (for now).

Here are three old threads that hit on your question. In addition, check out SweetMarias.com

http://www.coffeeforums.com/forum/coffee-table/12620-good-coffee-books.html
http://www.coffeeforums.com/forum/coffee-table/10714-would-like-coffee-book-recommendations.html
http://www.coffeeforums.com/forum/coffee-table/5688-good-book-coffee.html


edit: what is your roasting experience as of now?

 

[peterjschmidt]

Post back what you've learned and put into practice; it'll help others!

 

[PinkRose]

I may also go for the Roaster's Companion, the new book by Scott Rao... Although unfortunately that one is not available on Kindle.

I bought Scott Rao's first book, The Professional Barista's Handbook, which he was in the process of writing when I first met him back in 2007. He was doing some consulting and providing training for a new cafe that had just opened. He knows his stuff.

I don't buy books on Kindle. I like having a "real" book that I can put bookmarks in or highlight things that I want to remember.

 

[sal930]

Of course! I won't have the books for another month, but when I start gaining knowledge worthy of helping others, it'll be my pleasure to share!

Thanks again all for the advice.

Post back what you've learned and put into practice; it'll help others!

 

[slurp]

You may consider making friends with a local roaster along with the reading. See if they will let you hang out and help bag coffee, you may be able to pick up lots from them.

 

[JerryB]

I recently found a book to start out with at my local library. I really like it.
"The Art and Craft of Coffee" by Kevin Sinnott

Cheers,
Jerry

 

[JCF]

Aside from a good book and the Internet, I would consider finding a local smaller or mid size roaster in your City who you may reach out to. By example, my family has combined Coffee Roasting experience of over 65 years, and my father always was willing to share knowledge and insight with new local Roasters. The old saying "A picture is worth a thousand words".

 

[Amhas]

I bought Scott Rao's first book, The Professional Barista's Handbook, which he was in the process of writing when I first met him back in 2007. He was doing some consulting and providing training for a new cafe that had just opened. He knows his stuff.

I don't buy books on Kindle. I like having a "real" book that I can put bookmarks in or highlight things that I want to remember.

I have a couple of Soctt Rao's books now (including "The Coffee Roaster's Companion") and they are very well written. I would recommend them as well.