How to make smoked coffee (and what it tastes like)
Coffee lovers around the world are always looking for new and exciting flavors to enhance their coffee experience. One emerging trend that has gained popularity is smoking coffee beans at home. By smoking your own coffee beans, you can unlock a whole new level of rich flavors and smoky aromas that will take your coffee to the next level. In this article, we will explore how to make smoked coffee and discover what it tastes like.
Can You Make Smoked Coffee?
The answer is yes! You can make smoked coffee at home using either a smoker or a grill with a smoking pipe. However, it’s important to note that you should use green coffee beans that have not been roasted. Roasted coffee beans will burn when smoked and won’t have a pleasant flavor. So be sure to get your hands on some high quality green coffee beans before you begin the smoking process.
How to make smoked coffee
Making smoked coffee is a relatively simple process if you have the right equipment at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making smoked coffee using a smoker:
- Heat the smoker: Preheat your smoker to a high temperature, ideally between 350-450°F. The smoker must be properly heated before you place the beans in it.
- Prepare the coffee beans: Place the green coffee beans in a single layer on a tray, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. Decide how dark you want your coffee beans to be by listening to the cracking sounds they make during the roasting process.
- Place the coffee beans in the smoker: When the beans are ready on the tray, place the tray in the preheated smoker. Allow the beans to sit in the smoker for approximately 6 minutes, then stir to evenly distribute the heat and flavor. Continue stirring every 6 minutes until the beans reach the desired level of doneness.
- Allow the beans to rest: After smoking, it’s important to let the beans rest for at least 10 hours. This resting period allows the beans to aerate and release any excess carbon dioxide. Bagging or using the beans too soon can result in an undesirable flavor and aroma.
- Store beans: To preserve the flavor of your smoked coffee beans, store them in a tightly sealed, airtight container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry cabinet. Avoid exposure to natural light and heat, which can degrade the flavor over time.
Using Smoked Coffee Beans
Now that you have successfully smoked your coffee beans, it’s time to put them to good use. The flavor profile of smoked coffee beans offers a unique and distinct flavor that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. The grind you choose will depend on how you plan to use the coffee beans. Here are some grind types and their suggested uses:
- Extra coarse/coarse grind: Ideal for French press or percolator coffeemakers that can extract maximum flavor from the coarser grind.
- Medium Grind: Ideal for everyday coffeemakers such as drip coffeemakers that produce a well-balanced cup of coffee with a medium grind.
- Fine grind: Perfect for espresso pots and drip makers with conical filters, as they allow for quick extraction of flavors.
- Turkish Grind: For those feeling adventurous, Turkish grinds are very fine and create a buttery and creamy texture, perfect for making Turkish coffee.
What does smoked coffee taste like?
Smoked coffee offers a delightful fusion of regular roast coffee with added smoky flavors. Dark roasted coffee beans already have a hint of smokiness, but smoking them intensifies this flavor profile. The amount of smokiness in your coffee beans can be adjusted by varying the smoking time. Overall, smoked coffee provides a deeper and more robust flavor, reminiscent of a campfire experience.
How smoked coffee compares to regular coffee
Smoked coffee and regular coffee have similar base notes and can be light, medium or dark roasted. The key difference is the smoky flavor of smoked coffee. Drinking a cup of smoked coffee can transport you back to cozy nights around the campfire, where you can enjoy the combination of smoky aromas and the rich taste of coffee. While it may not be your everyday cup of coffee, smoked coffee offers a unique way to satisfy your occasional craving for something different.
Can you smoke ground coffee on a grill?
If you don’t have a smoker or green coffee beans, don’t worry! You can still make smoked coffee at home using a grill. Here’s how:
- Preheat 2-3 charcoal briquets on the grill until fully heated.
- Place the heated briquettes on one side of the grill and add a handful of wood chips or logs directly onto the hot coals.
- Place a shallow pan or tray of preground coffee on the other side of the grill. Make sure the coffee is evenly distributed to ensure even smoking.
- Close the grill lid and allow the coffee to smoke for approximately 20-30 minutes. Monitor the temperature and adjust the vents to maintain a consistent smoking temperature.
- When smoking is complete, remove the tray of smoked ground coffee from the grill and allow to cool completely.
- Once cooled, transfer the smoked ground coffee to an airtight container for storage.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the smoky flavor of smoked coffee with your grill and pre-ground coffee.
Bottom Line
Smoking coffee beans at home is a fantastic way to elevate your coffee experience and explore new flavors. Whether you use a smoker or a grill, the process is simple and allows you to adjust the level of smokiness to suit your taste preferences. Smoked coffee offers a unique flavor profile that combines the richness of coffee with delicious smoky undertones. So if you’re a coffee lover who wants to try something different, give smoked coffee a try and embark on a flavorful journey that will awaken your senses.
FAQS
Can I smoke coffee beans on a regular grill?
Yes, you can smoke coffee beans on a regular grill by following a specific procedure. See the “Can You Smoke Ground Coffee on a Grill?” section for detailed instructions.
How long should I smoke my coffee beans?
Smoking time can vary depending on the desired level of smokiness. Typically, smoking coffee beans for about 6 minutes in a preheated smoker is a good starting point. However, you can adjust the smoking time to achieve your preferred flavor profile.
Can I use roasted coffee beans to smoke?
No, it’s recommended that you use green coffee beans that have not been roasted. Roasted coffee beans will burn during the smoking process and may result in an unpleasant taste.
How should I store my smoked beans?
To maintain the freshness of your smoked coffee beans, store them in a tightly closed, airtight container in a cool and dark place, such as a pantry cabinet. Avoid exposure to light and heat, which can degrade the flavor over time.
What does smoked coffee taste like?
Smoked coffee offers a unique flavor profile that combines the richness of regular coffee with smoky undertones. The level of smokiness can be adjusted based on the smoking time, resulting in a deeper and more robust flavor reminiscent of a campfire experience.
Can I use the smoked coffee beans in different brewing methods?
Yes, you can use the smoked coffee beans in a variety of brewing methods. Adjust the grind size according to your preferred brewing method, such as French press, drip, espresso, or Turkish coffee, to extract the best flavors from the beans.