Coffee roasting is both an art and a science, and there are many topics that can be covered in a coffee roasting school to help students become skilled roasters. Here are some key topics that might be included in a comprehensive coffee roasting program:
- Coffee Fundamentals:
- Introduction to coffee species and varieties. Green Coffee: Selection and sourcing of green coffee beans.
- Roasting Equipment:
- Types of coffee roasting machines (e.g., drum roasters, fluid bed roasters).
- Roaster maintenance and safety.
- Roasting Process:
- Roast levels and profiles. Developing roast curves and profiles.
- Sensory Evaluation:
- Cupping techniques for evaluating coffee.
- Roasting Techniques:
- Single-origin vs. blend roasting. Espresso vs. filter coffee roasting.
- Quality Control:
- Sampling and quality assessment protocols.y.
- Brewing Methods:
- Understanding different brewing methods (e.g., espresso, pour-over, French press). How roast profiles impact brewing.
- Business and Marketing:
- Starting and managing a coffee roasting business.
- Sustainability:
- Environmental impact of coffee roasting.
- Advanced Topics:
- Roasting for competition.
- Practical Roasting:
- Hands-on roasting sessions with guidance and supervision.
- Industry Trends:
- Keeping up with the latest trends in the coffee industry. Specialty coffee and its impact on the market.
Cafe Las Cristalinas Roasting School covers Coffee and Cacao, no other grower, roaster, and exporter in Guatemala offers both.
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Coffee tour (3h): – on foot $40 pp – horseback riding $50 pp (both including 1lb bag of coffee and a cup at Cristalinas after the tour)
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Cacao ceremony (3h): – groups of 3-6 ppl $75 pp – 2 ppl $100 each
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Chocolate workshops – $100 pp (3h)