Ethiopian Kaffa Anderacha. 100g for 9m20s at 65%. Cracking started at around minute 6. When I was happy, I went to shake it outside in the sieve. I was aiming at a light roast but realizing that it’s not a very even method, I went and made sure even the greener beans had time to get a little tan. I think I’ll use 50g instead next time.
Advice is super welcome.
I just prepared a cup using the James Hoffman daily driver aeropress recipe as soon as it was cool. I know I should let it degas but I wanted to experience the freshest cup possible as a base for later comparison. As is, to my understanding, it tastes planty, caramely and neither too acidic, astringent or bitter. Really nice cup.
Batch 4. 100g for 12m at 52%. First crack (after 4-5 outliers beginning at minute 3) at 7m. Net loss of 15g (15%). I was aiming for a medium-er roast since the acidity was a bit much. Next time, I’m keeping everything the same, but I will try to use a lid and stir with occasional tossing motions for the first 3 to 5 minutes.
Batch 3. 100g for 15m 30s at 48% bumped up to 50% near the end. First crack began at 12m 30s, so my next batch will be done at least at 50% power. It’s a little more uniform. Net loss of 17g (17%). I found a comfortable and efficient agitation technique. My second batch was more of a medium roast and I feel like I lost some fruit and chocolate notes, so I’m trying to get back there a little while keeping a pleasant bitterness.
Looks uneven indeed, but the most important thing is that it tasted good. Maybe you can continuously stir it next time? A roaster basically stirs continuously
I’ve done some roasting in a cast iron, more for the fun of it since it was really difficult to nail. But I remember it taking way longer, at least 15 minutes for first crack/light roast. Stirring constantly for 15 minutes was not the most thrilling thing… It was still uneven but not as much as it looks in your picture. Maybe turn down the heat a bit.
And yeah I agree, the drastic change in taste from freshly roasted to a week old was surprising.
Second try. 50g for 9m at 55%. I let the pan preheat more thoroughly which threw me off. Next time I will heat at not more than 50% with the full preheat. Cracking started at 3m which was a little scary and unexpected. I stirred A LOT. Net loss is 10g (20%).
Haven’t tasted this batch, but the original one feels optimal right about now. I just think the first batch is a little underroasted, so I’ll judge the next batch and see if that’s my new approximate color target.
