How to Roast Gourmet Coffee Beans

The coffee roaster performs the most critical step in creating gourmet coffee. A master roaster is a skilled craftsperson with the experience to bring out the best qualities of the coffee beans during the roasting process.

The roasting process is extremely important to coffee.

The word gourmet applies to a food or drink judged to be excellent. Usually this is based on experts' professional knowledge, expertise in trade practices, understanding of product preparation and opinion.

• The term gourmet coffee applies to select specialty coffee beans that are roasted to perfection.
• A master roaster knows from experience acquired over the years how to roast to the correct degree in order to bring out the beans' characteristics. The result is a taste that is unique and extremely enjoyable.
• Gourmet coffee is always prepared with select specialty coffee beans roasted fresh when ordered. It is ground to the correct fineness or coarseness for the brewing method used.
• These freshly roasted coffee beans are immediately packed (unless they are ordered flavored) and shipped to the customer to brew and enjoy. Brewing should start with fresh cold water heated to the correct temperature.
• It is true that coffee beans can be purchased by the pound in person, by mail, by phone, from a catalog or online.
• However, coffee bought from stores, grocery store whole bean hoppers or even popular shops with prepackaged brands on the shelf ready for sale does not compare to coffee freshly ground from a roaster.
• Gourmet coffee is more expensive than the standard supermarket or other readily available brands, but there is simply no comparison in the quality and taste of the coffee.
• The old adage "you get what you pay for" is very true. Spending the extra money is well worth the lasting gratification from taste and aroma.
• To make your own gourmet coffee at home, always start with the beans. Buy from a source that will roast and ship fresh coffee on demand. Your palate will become sensitized to excellence in flavor in a similar way as wine connoisseurs are to great grapes.
• There are always many coffee varieties from which to choose depending on Geographical Indications that identify the source and serve as pseudo-trademarks. For example, some of the most admired bean varieties include Kona, Jamaican Blue Mountain, and Sumatra types.

When you purchase coffee ask about the recommended methods for grinding, brewing and storing your coffee so you have the best gourmet coffee experience with each sip. In the end, gourmet coffee is defined by the quality of the specialty coffee beans, whether green bean, roasted bean or prepared beverage.

Coffee adds to the quality of life of those who are involved in its cultivation, harvesting and marketing. For the consumers who drink it, gourmet coffee delivers lasting satisfaction and enjoyment.

In today's fast paced life, sipping a cup of gourmet coffee and listening to a favorite musical melody can be the highlight of the day!