A delicious, hot mug of coffee is the ideal way to start the day, and making a fabulous cup of joe at home is a lot easier than you may think, especially if you roast the beans yourself. If you’re interested in upgrading your morning beverage routine, here are several do’s and don’ts for preparing roasted coffee at home.

Do:

Buy green coffee beans.

For the best flavor, purchase specialty grade Arabica green coffee beans and use them within two weeks after roasting. Storing the beans any longer may compromise their taste. To preserve flavor, store beans in an airtight  container at room temperature. Green coffee beans will last a year or more if stored in a cool environment.

Use filtered water.

Filtered or bottled water is better for brewing than tap. The minerals and chemical content of tap water will alter the quality and produce a less-than-satisfactory cup. 

Don’t:

Combine different coffee beans unless you research first. 

Mixing different beans may produce an undesirable, bitter cup of coffee if you combine the wrong flavors. Coffee beans have varying flavors and degrees of acidity, which usually taste best on their own. But if you’re an experimental home roaster, you may find that some bean varieties pair nicely. Ask your local coffee bean distributor for suggestions if you’d like to try making a custom blend. 

Use a dirty coffee pot.

After every use, take the time to clean your coffee pot with a mild dishwashing soap. Rinse thoroughly and allow the pot to air-dry. Using a pot coated with residual oils or soapy residue will mar the taste of your brew.

U-Roast-Em in Solon Springs, WI, is on a mission to demystify the practice of roasting coffee at home. With their diverse inventory of green coffees, roaster kits, and flavorings, this locally owned company rewards both coffee novices and connoisseurs with superior service and products. Stop by the store today for inspiration, or visit them online to learn more. Questions? Call (715) 378-2448 to reach Jane or Marty Russo, who will gladly answer them.