CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

I have been doing this since before Covid times and often take the necessary items with me in our caravan. Sitting under the awning, I enjoy a read or ale while roasting the beans.

Green beans are sourced easily from TradeMe and there are a variety of types and country of origin — if they come from a source of high altitude the more likely the beans will be organic and spray free. 

Once I establish a contact and variety I’m happy with, I can deal direct with the supplier and they often send me sample beans to try.

I usually purchase 1kg at a time paying $15 to $25. Larger quantities are more economical but you need to weigh up your usage against storage time and cost.

A purpose made coffee roaster can be purchased from as little as $50 or up to hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on your final output either for personal use or intention to supply and sell.

My choice is a simple popcorn machine, second hand $10 or new $35 , but of importance is the wattage, 750 Watt being on the fringe, 1000W or 1200W being the best.

Fill the scoop to just under full (above) and transfer to the machine. 

I find between 7–9 minutes gives me a roast to my taste, so I set an Alexa alarm and sit back and enjoy my book or ale while waiting.

Don’t make the mistake I made the first time and do this inside with a popcorn machine because the beans lose husks during this process and they gently float everywhere. Everywhere.

There is an initial crack 2–3 minutes into the roast and then a second cracking around 4–5 minutes and from there its your choice as to how long and dark. I go for a dark glossy finish as a good sign and stage for my taste.

Let the beans cool off in a large metal or glass bowl or on a tray then store in an airtight container for at least a week before using in a stand-alone grinder or coffee machine hopper.

With time and a few roasts, along with having a few varieties under you belt, you will enjoy the results and settle on a favourite.

Does it save money? Generally yes, depending on the beans you purchase; and your time is free if you are camping while doing it ,so give it a crack. Enjoy! ◼️

Images ©2024 Marty Ireland