Learning to Roast Coffee (with ChatGPT) 101

Jan 24, 2024

Coffee Roaster Master

Introduction

Roasting coffee is both an art and a science, demanding a deep understanding of beans, roasting techniques, and flavor profiles. When I decided to embark on this journey, I turned to ChatGPT to guide me through the complexities of coffee roasting. This is how I taught myself to roast coffee using ChatGPT, harnessing the power of this tool to learn something you can taste.

Discovering the Basics with ChatGPT

The first step was understanding the fundamentals. I asked ChatGPT:

  • "What are the stages of coffee roasting?"

    ChatGPT explained the roasting stages—from drying and browning to the first and second cracks—providing a clear roadmap of the process.

  • "How do different roast levels affect flavor?"

    The AI detailed how light roasts preserve acidity and origin flavors, while darker roasts bring out bitterness and roast characteristics.

Crafting Specific Questions

To get precise answers, I learned to ask specific, context-rich questions:

  • "How can I enhance the fruity notes in Ethiopian Yirgacheffe beans during roasting?"

    ChatGPT suggested roasting just past the first crack and provided temperature guidelines to highlight the beans' natural fruity flavors.

  • "What adjustments should I make when roasting in a humid climate?"

    The AI advised on preheating the roaster, monitoring bean moisture, and increasing airflow to compensate for humidity.

Understanding Roast Levels

ChatGPT helped me grasp the nuances between different roast levels:

City Roast vs. Full City Roast

  • City Roast: A medium-light roast ending just after the first crack, preserving natural bean flavors and acidity.

  • Full City Roast: A medium-dark roast that goes slightly beyond the first crack, introducing caramelization and a balance of flavors.

Adapting to My Environment

Living in a humid climate posed unique challenges. ChatGPT recommended:

  • Preheating the Roaster: To counteract ambient moisture.

  • Monitoring Moisture Levels: Using a moisture meter to adjust roast profiles accordingly.

  • Increasing Airflow: To ensure consistent heat distribution and roast development.

Exploring Ethiopian Beans

Ethiopian coffees are renowned for their bright acidity and fruity notes. ChatGPT provided roast profiles for different varieties:

  • Yirgacheffe: Roast for 9-12 minutes, ending just after the first crack to highlight floral and citrus notes.

  • Sidamo: A 10-13 minute roast at a light to medium level enhances its fruity complexity.

  • Harrar: Roast for 12-15 minutes at a light to medium level to bring out wine-like and berry flavors.

The Sensory Experience

Translating ChatGPT's advice into practice was a rewarding sensory journey. Tasting the results of each roast, I could directly experience the impact of subtle adjustments recommended by the AI.

Continuous Learning with ChatGPT

Roasting coffee is an iterative process. ChatGPT became an invaluable mentor, always ready to answer questions like:

  • "What causes tipping and scorching, and how can I prevent them?"

  • "How does the Maillard reaction influence coffee flavor?"

Conclusion

Learning to roast coffee with ChatGPT transformed a complex endeavor into an accessible and enjoyable experience. The AI's guidance allowed me to refine my technique and deepen my appreciation for the art of coffee roasting. Through this journey, I discovered not just how to roast coffee, but how to taste and savor the nuances in every cup.