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  • Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

    I want to setup a logbook diary or Database for my roasts to detail each roast that I do, writing down all the important aspects of roasting to help me keep track of what works and what doesnt whilst I am learning.  I think I have got the basic information covered such as:

    1. Date
    2. Bean Variety (Name)
    3. Ambient Temperature
    4. Amount (grams) roasting
    5. 1st Crack Time
    6. 2nd Crack Time (if required)
    7. Finishing time
    8. Cooling method
    9. Time to cool to room temperature
    10. Roast style (light, medium, dark/espresso etc)

    Is there any other information that I should be adding or deleting in my log to help with my quest for the perfect roast. (except for practice)
    or does anyone know of any good databases out there that stores this sort of information.  I have one for my Beer Homebrew which comes in handy to reproducing good batches of the amber nectar [smiley=beer.gif], I thought there might be one for coffee roasting.

    My roasting vessel will be the Breville Crazy Popper.

  • #2
    Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

    Id also put in:

    roasted weight (g)
    % weight loss

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

      If youre running a PC with Access on it take a look at this wonderful database: http://improbablystructuredlayers.net/CoffeeRoastingDB/CRDBHome.htm


      Java "Loves it!" phile
      Toys! I must have new toys!!!

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

        Originally posted by Javaphile link=1170396812/0#2 date=1170398528
        If youre running a PC with Access on it take a look at this wonderful database: http://improbablystructuredlayers.net/CoffeeRoastingDB/CRDBHome.htm
        I found this one on the net just 5 minutes ago. It seems a little more complex for my liking as I dont understand half of it. (L plater here) Thanks for the reply anyway.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

          Originally posted by Beanmeister link=1170396812/0#1 date=1170398376
          Id also put in:

          roasted weight (g)
          % weight loss
          cheers that would be good to know as well to see if I perform the same batch twice at the same roasting times but might get different % weight losses due to maybe humidty etc. ( i might also be on the wrong side of the road with that as well but, oh well, it sounds good) to me anyway

          Cheers

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          • #6
            Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

            Gday Goodies,

            Id modify the 1st & 2nd Crack data entry slightly by expanding it to...

            Time 1st Crack Starts -
            Time 1st Crack Finishes -
            Time 2nd Crack Starts -
            Time Rolling 2nd Crack Starts -

            Also leave some space for "Cupping Notes" as all the info is worthless if you dont also record this sort of information. Doesnt have to be anything fancy, just so that you know what youre referring to, e.g.

            Sourness -
            Sweetness -
            Saltiness -
            Acidity -
            Bitterness -
            Body/Mouthfeel -
            Aftertaste/Finish -
            Simple Summary -

            As you get more and more experience with cupping you can expand on your palate repertoire and include more info in the notes but at least the above should get you started. All the best,

            Mal.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

              Originally posted by Mal link=1170396812/0#5 date=1170423351
              Time 1st Crack Starts -
              Time 1st Crack Finishes -
              Time 2nd Crack Starts -
              Time Rolling 2nd Crack Starts -
              Can you confirm if this is correct?  The rolling 2nd crack is when I hear lots of little crackling like crumpling celophan?

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

                Yes mate,

                That is it exactly . 2nd Crack usually starts off with a couple of very subtle and quiet snaps every few seconds and gradually builds up into a crescendo of continuous sound as you have described. Most of my roasts are pulled before 2nd Crack even starts, with some just to the start of 2nd Crack and a couple allowed to progress through into Rolling 2nd Crack.

                After youve completed a few roasts, youll start to recognise the various stages of the roast almost by the appearance of the beans alone, and this is helpful for those roasts where you are trying to avoid even the first few snaps of 2nd Crack. I dont know whether youve found this site as yet, but Sweet Marias is an excellent Home Roasters Information Repository with heaps of very useful and practical info about most things to do with home roasting. If you havent already, Id recommend sitting back and having a good read throughout the site to become familiar with where all the information is located for future reference.

                Cheers Goodies,
                Mal.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

                  I also record the teperature every minute

                  eg 1 min - 96, 2 mins - 130 etc etc.

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                  • #10
                    Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

                    Originally posted by lucinda link=1170396812/0#8 date=1170459337
                    I also record the temperature every minute
                    Well,

                    Temperature logging certainly allows for even more finesse when trying to fine tune future roasts 8-).... Though Im not quite into that level of control, still prefer to go by sight, sound, smell and the occasional glance at an old stopwatch

                    Mal.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

                      There is not that kind of control with a popper.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

                        Its not a control thing, just a comparison tool between roasts of the same bean.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

                          Have you noticed much difference then?

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                          • #14
                            Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

                            Between different beans yes.

                            With the same bean, the Ambient temperature really affects the time/speed the bean takes to fget to first and second crack.

                            I only roast early mornong or in the evening when it cools down at the moment and I have noticed the change of humidity makes a difference too.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Roasting Logbook / Diary / Database

                              Apart from those mentioned, I also have the following fields:

                              Cooling time

                              Temp of 1st and 2nd crack. I datalog my roasts so dont need to record other temps, too hard anyway.

                              Roasting notes which enables me to note anything strange that happened, or anything I tried doing differently.

                              Degassing method

                              Tasting date, ie, the time between roasting and tasting.

                              Roasting tips post tasting, in other words once I have tasted the finished roast, do I need to look at changing anything?

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