Coffee lovers, have you ever heard of air roasted coffee? If not, you’re in for a treat! Air roasted coffee is a unique and flavorful coffee experience that is different from the traditional drum roasting method. This method of roasting uses hot air to evenly roast the coffee beans, resulting in a distinct taste and aroma. In this article, we will explore the history, process, and benefits of air roasting, as well as where to find and how to brew air roasted coffee.
Air roasting was first introduced in the early 1900s as a way to roast coffee more efficiently and with less smoke. The traditional drum roasting method uses a rotating drum to roast the beans, but this method can result in uneven roasting and the potential for smoke damage. Air roasting, on the other hand, uses hot air to circulate and evenly roast the beans, resulting in a cleaner and more consistent roast.
One of the biggest benefits of air roasting is the preservation of the coffee’s natural flavors and aromas. Because the beans are roasted more quickly and at a lower temperature, the delicate flavors and aromas are not lost during the roasting process. Additionally, air roasting produces less smoke and chaff (the outer layer of the bean), making for a cleaner and more sustainable roasting process.
So why not give air roasted coffee a try? Not only is it a unique and flavorful experience, but it’s also a great way to support sustainable coffee roasting practices. In the next section, we’ll dive deeper into the air roasting process and how it differs from traditional drum roasting.
The Air Roasting Process
The air roasting process is relatively simple and straightforward, but it is essential to understand the key factors that affect the outcome of the roast. The main factors that affect the air roasting process are temperature, time, and airflow.
The temperature of the roast is crucial for achieving the desired flavor profile. Air roasting typically occurs at a lower temperature than drum roasting, usually between 400-450°F. The lower temperature allows for a slower roast, which preserves the coffee’s natural flavors and aromas. The time of the roast is also important, as it can affect the outcome of the flavor profile. Air roasting typically takes between 6-12 minutes, depending on the desired roast level.
Airflow is another crucial factor in air roasting. The hot air must circulate evenly around the beans to ensure a consistent roast. The airflow should also be adjusted throughout the roast to achieve the desired roast level.
Compared to traditional drum roasting, air roasting is a faster and more consistent method. The hot air circulates evenly around the beans, resulting in a cleaner and more consistent roast. Additionally, the lower temperature and faster roasting time preserve the coffee’s natural flavors and aromas.
Flavor Profile of Air Roasted Coffee
Air roasted coffee is known for its unique and complex flavor profile. The coffee’s natural flavors and aromas are preserved during the roasting process, resulting in a clean and bright taste. The coffee typically has a higher acidity, giving it a fruity and floral taste. Notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel are also commonly found in air roasted coffee.
One of the biggest differences between air roasted and drum roasted coffee is the presence of smoky or burnt flavors. Because air roasting occurs at a lower temperature and for a shorter time, the beans are not exposed to the high temperatures that can cause smoky or burnt flavors.
For best results, we recommend brewing methods such as pour-over, French press, or Aeropress to complement the flavor profile of air roasted coffee. These methods allow for a more controlled extraction, highlighting the coffee’s natural flavors and aromas.
Where to Find Air Roasted Coffee
Every single coffee bean that we sell here at We Love Coffee goes through our custom-built hot air roaster. From our best-seller Massimo, made from a blend of Brazilian Arabica beans, to our Single Origin Colombian ‘Bulldog’ – if you want to try the finest quality hot air roasted coffee there’s no better place to look than our own store. Grab a couple of bags for your coffee machine at home and we promise you, you won’t go back to drum-roasted coffee anytime soon.
Looking to work with us? We can supply our hot air roasted coffee to your coffee shop in and around the Glasgow area. Just get in touch.
Conclusion
Air roasted coffee is a unique and flavorful experience that is different from traditional drum roasting. The air roasting process preserves the coffee’s natural flavors and aromas, resulting in a clean and bright taste. This method is also more sustainable and efficient than traditional drum roasting.
We recommend giving air roasted coffee a try and experimenting with different brewing methods to enhance the flavor profile.
In the end, air roasted coffee is a great way to support sustainable coffee roasting practices