AI Overview
Title: "Home Coffee Roasting: Romance and Revival" by Kenneth Davids
Edition: Revised, Updated Edition (2003)
Key Themes
History of Home Coffee Roasting: The book provides an in-depth look at the evolution of home coffee roasting, tracing its growth from a niche activity to a mainstream hobby.
Coffee Selection and Roasting Techniques: It offers insights and guidelines on selecting fine coffees and mastering various roasting techniques, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced roasters.
Equipment and Tools: The book includes a comprehensive resource guide for green beans and home-roasting equipment, helping readers understand how to evaluate and use different roasters.
Storage and Blending: It covers best practices for storing green beans and provides tips on perfecting a roast, as well as how to create your own coffee blends.
Connoisseurship and Commentary: The book combines charming commentary on coffee culture, the history of roasting, and connoisseurship, making it an engaging read for coffee enthusiasts.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to guide readers through every step of the home coffee roasting process. It begins with an introduction to the history and evolution of home coffee roasting, followed by detailed instructions on how to evaluate and use modern home roasters. The book then delves into the selection of high-quality green beans, storage techniques, and the art of perfecting a roast. It also includes practical advice on creating custom coffee blends.
Critical Reception
Positive Reviews: The book has been praised for its clear, easy-to-follow guidelines and its ability to make home coffee roasting accessible to a broad audience. The revised edition has been noted for its expanded content, including copious illustrations and an invaluable resource guide.
Awards and Recognition: Kenneth Davids, the author, is a James Beard Award nominee, which adds credibility to the book's content and approach.
Availability: The book is available in both physical and digital formats, with the physical version priced at $15.95, significantly lower than the list price of $21.95.
In summary, "Home Coffee Roasting: Romance and Revival" by Kenneth Davids is a comprehensive guide that combines historical insights, practical instructions, and engaging commentary to make it an essential resource for all coffee enthusiasts interested in home roasting.