There are many examples of overcomplicating things in the coffee world. The process of roasting itself is complex and tricky enough, so one of the worst things you can do is to introduce more and more variables you don’t really need.⠀
Roasters like playing with charge temperature, arguing that coffee X prefers a different temperature than coffee Y. Anecdotally, these are mostly roasters who don’t measure the roast color for example.⠀⠀
Although the initial energy cumulated in the roaster is undeniably important, please believe that you’re able to roast fantastic coffees using a fixed charge temperature for all of them: naturals, washed, Africans, Centrals – irrelevant!⠀
Your charge temp has to be optimal and its value will depend on your machine settings. Not too low, to avoid excessive burner power from the start. Not too high, to avoid scorching or keeping the burner too low for too long, which might result in underdevelopment.⠀
Elimination of unnecessary variables will help you focusing more on the coffee itself and making changes that are truly essential. As always, if you’d like to discuss this subject, please leave a comment!
Our Roasting Tips are brought to you by Piotr Jeżewski (88 Graines Q Grader & Sourcing Director)
