Coffee Facts

Expert guides on coffee brewing, roasting, beans, and equipment. Master your coffee journey with in-depth articles.

Mastering the Art of Home Espresso: A Guide from a Coffee Pro

Mastering the Art of Home Espresso: A Guide from a Coffee Pro

Brewing the perfect espresso shot at home might seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Kaleena Teoh, co-founder of Coffee Project New York, shares her expertise on how to achieve barista-quality espresso using your existing equipment. Espresso is a precise brewing method that involves forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under pressure. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need expensive gear to produce quality espresso at home. The key factors are maintaining consistent pressure and temperature throughout the process. Firstly, ensure your espresso machine (or even a portable option) can maintain both pressure and temperature during brewing.…
Read More
Mastering the Art of Coffee Farming: Insights from Barista Turned Farmer Tim Wendelboe

Mastering the Art of Coffee Farming: Insights from Barista Turned Farmer Tim Wendelboe

Ever wondered if you could leverage your barista skills to succeed in coffee farming? Let's delve into the fascinating journey of Tim Wendelboe, a man who's done just that. Tim Wendelboe, a renowned figure in the world of specialty coffee, has demonstrated that a career as a barista can indeed serve as an advantageous stepping stone towards becoming a successful coffee farm owner. With his championship-winning background, exceptional palate, and part-time farmer status, Wendelboe embodies the perfect fusion of barista artistry and farming expertise. Wendelboe's story begins in the bustling world of coffee shops, where he honed his skills as…
Read More
Unlocking the Secrets of Leasing Coffee Plants: An Insider’s Guide

Unlocking the Secrets of Leasing Coffee Plants: An Insider’s Guide

If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to lease coffee plants like you can with vineyards or olive groves, you're not alone. Intrigued by this idea, we dug deep to find out how it works, what the costs and operations entail, and who's already done it. Contrary to popular belief, leasing coffee plants is a growing trend among coffee enthusiasts and investors. While not as common as wine or olive oil vineyards, it offers an opportunity for individuals to participate in the coffee production process directly. Leasing a coffee plantation typically involves a long-term agreement with a farm owner that…
Read More
Airflow Solutions for Your Perforated Drum Roaster

Airflow Solutions for Your Perforated Drum Roaster

If you've recently ventured into home coffee roasting with a perforated drum roaster from AliExpress, kudos! But, if you're encountering issues like silverskin not peeling off during roasting due to insufficient airflow, it's time for a solution. Let's dive into the world of blower fans and find the perfect fit for your roaster. Your perforated drum roaster might be doing a decent job of heating your beans, but air circulation is crucial to ensure an even roast and proper peeling of the silverskin. A duct connected to a blower fan can solve this problem. While options like the Dayton 1TDN4…
Read More
Eureka Mignon Zero 55s 15BL vs DF54 Grinder Showdown: Espresso’s Best Below £200

Eureka Mignon Zero 55s 15BL vs DF54 Grinder Showdown: Espresso’s Best Below £200

You're in the market for a grinder to complement your upcoming EM3801, and you've narrowed it down to two options—the DF54 and Eureka Mignon Zero 55s 15BL. Both grinders feature 54mm and 55mm flat burrs respectively, making them suitable for espresso brewing. Let's dive into the details to help you make an informed decision. First off, pricing is competitive—the DF54 retails at £209 (including shipping), while the Eureka Mignon Zero 55s 15BL can be found for £194, also inclusive of shipping. Both are easily accessible from their respective websites: [DF54](https://df64coffee.com/products/df54?variant=46413906378901) and [Eureka Mignon Zero 55s 15BL](https://www.coffeefriend.co.uk/p/eureka-mignon-zero-55s-15bl-coffee-grinder-matte-black/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK%20-%20Shopping%20-%20All%20products%20-%20P1&utm_id=21017486339&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21017486339&gbraid=0AAAAADQXaYIz2s0PeedAtxXwTRPUkpTP7). Now, the key difference…
Read More
Unleash Your Coffee Adventure with Wacaco’s Portable Espresso Maker

Unleash Your Coffee Adventure with Wacaco’s Portable Espresso Maker

When you find yourself off the grid or miles away from a decent cup of joe, don't fret. The Wacaco portable espresso maker is your go-to solution for an exceptional brew on the move. This compact device, which has garnered a cult following among coffee enthusiasts, offers flexibility with both Nespresso pods and manual grinding options. The Wacaco's ingenious design ensures that you don't have to compromise on taste even in the wilderness. The hand-pumped pressure system delivers the perfect espresso shot without relying on electricity or batteries. And for those who love a hot cup of coffee while driving,…
Read More
Lelit Mara X: The Game Changer for Temp Stability and User Experience? [$1359]

Lelit Mara X: The Game Changer for Temp Stability and User Experience? [$1359]

If you're a coffee enthusiast tired of struggling with temperature stability and workflow issues in your current setup, you might be wondering if the Lelit Mara X could be the solution. This high-end espresso machine has recently gone on sale, and it seems like an attractive upgrade option for those seeking better performance and user experience. Let's dive into the details. The Lelit Mara X boasts a PID temperature control system, which aims to provide superior temperature stability compared to your Gaggia Evo Pro (uncoated boiler). This means that you can expect more consistent results for both your initial and…
Read More
Mastering Heat Gun Roasting: Achieving Consistent Results

Mastering Heat Gun Roasting: Achieving Consistent Results

You've probably dabbled in coffee roasting at home, but have you ever tried using a heat gun? This unconventional method can yield impressive results, but it comes with its own set of challenges. I recently took on this adventure and learned some valuable lessons that I'm eager to share. Roasting coffee with a heat gun is an exciting venture for home enthusiasts, as it allows for precise control over the roasting process. However, unlike traditional methods, managing heat transfer can be tricky. During my attempt, I noticed that the hottest setting on my heat gun produced strong airflow, causing the…
Read More
Mastering Washed Process Beans Roasting on Freshroast

Mastering Washed Process Beans Roasting on Freshroast

You've been nailing naturals, but now you're ready to explore washed process beans. As a Freshroast user, you're in for an exciting journey! Let's dive into the specifics of roasting Ethiopian washed process beans. First off, understand that washed process beans undergo a different fermentation and washing method compared to naturals. This affects their flavor profile, acidity, and body. The lack of fruitiness found in naturals means you'll need to adjust your roasting profile accordingly. For washed Ethiopians, aim for a slightly longer roast. Start with a low temperature (F9) and low power level (P1) for the first 2 minutes.…
Read More
Mastering Live Data Display for Artisan Roasting: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering Live Data Display for Artisan Roasting: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a small roaster in the UK, like our friend at /u/concerning_noises, you might find yourself wondering how to display live data during artisan roasting. We've got your back. Let's dive into this pressing issue and share some valuable insights. First things first, let's clarify what we mean by 'live data.' In the context of artisan roasting, it refers to real-time monitoring of key parameters like development time and percentage moisture. The good news is that with your Giesen W15, Mac, and Artisan setup, you can indeed display these figures live—but you'll need a bit of tweaking. To achieve…
Read More