Posted Fri Oct 8, 2004, 10:34am Subject: Local Source for Green Beans?
I am finally getting around to start roasting my own beans.
I am looking for a place that I can actually purchase green beans locally. Has anyone else had any experience in this?
I happen to be in San Diego, but just wondered what the chances are of finding something locally.
We have of course Starbucks, but also a Diedrich and lots of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations. I plan on trying to contact them, but I think most will not have an answer for me.
As far as my roasting methods, I am going to try skillet and heat gun method for now, but I am leaning toward the FR8+, GG/SC, and/or a BBQ type shortly.
Also, as far as bean types, I mainly will be using this for espresso and drip. I tend to like something full for espresso and medium to full for drip. I wondered what your favorite(s) are for each. I understand that some like to blend, and that would be OK too, but i think maybe I should just learn how to roast with one variety to start with.
I have been doing searches, and found many many posts regarding beans, the problem I am having is weeding through it all (a good problem I guess). So if there is post that you feel covers this topic well, please kindly direct me there.
Posted Fri Oct 8, 2004, 11:06am Subject: Re: Local Source for Green Beans?
Welcome to the wonderful world of roasting! I've been at it for about a year now, and don't ever see myself going back to coffee roasted by others. What method/machine are you using?
Is there a reason you'd like to purchase beans locally? Being able to go and pick them up yourself would be nice, but there are so many internet green bean merchants who'll get a shipment to you within a day or two, that I don't see any reason to buy them anyway else. Guess there could be some tips and recommendations from a local seller. As far as on-line sources, Sweet Maria's is great, and I've been recently having great luck with CoffeeWholesalers. The latter has great prices and a good selection. Plus, they ship from Eugene, so it only takes a couple days to get to S. California. SM is in the Bay area (I believe), so a day is all it takes (once he get's your order out). Plus, because it's food, there's no sales tax, and the charge for shipping is quite fair.
If you are intent on finding a local source, you may also try Pannikin. There are a few of them strewn throughout SD, and they seem to be the most "home-spun", which makes me think you'd have luck getting green beans or information on places to go.
Huminie Senior Member Joined: 5 Jan 2004 Posts: 156 Location: Bay Area, CA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Maybe Someday Grinder: KitchenAide/Zass On Loan Vac Pot: Corning Pyrexware c1960 Drip: Capresso CoffeeTEC-Bodum FP Roaster: AirPopper-7 Various ~sigh~
Posted Fri Oct 8, 2004, 12:26pm Subject: Re: Local Source for Green Beans?
I buy most of my beans locally. It is much cheaper for me than ordering online, and I can wander in any time I wish and pick up a few pounds.
In my town there was only one local coffee shop with their own roaster. I called them up and asked if they would sell me green/unroasted beans. They said they would and that they just don't advertise that the sell them that way...but if you ask they will hook you up.
I would suggest calling local shops that have a roaster in house and asking them. Some may think you are nuts, but it can't hurt to try.
I would also recommend you call during the day on weekdays so you have a better chance of the owner of manager being there. Sometimes the little workers don't know if they will sell them or not.
Posted Fri Oct 8, 2004, 9:26pm Subject: Re: Local Source for Green Beans?
I guess I was just anxious to get started. I also like being able to see what I was getting, being new to it. I tried a couple of Pannikin numbers, but all disconnected. I think some have gone under.
I made about 10 calls, and finally found one roaster/coffee shop about 30 minutes away that would sell me green called La Costa Roasters. The prices were high (30% off their normal price per pound), so it ended up being about $6-7 a pound. But I was able to roast quite a bit tonight, and it was fun, and that was my goal. I used a cast iron skillet, and the continuous shake method. A little uneven, but a real workout. I look forward to tasting them as soon as the are done de-gassing.
I have the roasting bug now, and I am looking at all different green bean sources, types of beans, blend recipes, etc., as well as what kind of roaster setup I want. I am sure I will end up with several like many people here. I am leaning toward the large one that goes over the BBQ and/or the GG/SC. I think I am steering clear of the smaller capacity units.
Thanks for all the help and suggestions, getting closer to that perfect cup...
Huminie Senior Member Joined: 5 Jan 2004 Posts: 156 Location: Bay Area, CA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Maybe Someday Grinder: KitchenAide/Zass On Loan Vac Pot: Corning Pyrexware c1960 Drip: Capresso CoffeeTEC-Bodum FP Roaster: AirPopper-7 Various ~sigh~
Posted Sat Oct 9, 2004, 1:05pm Subject: Re: Local Source for Green Beans?
Sounds like a success to me! Congrats!!
I think you should be able to find a better price, but as you say, better to spend a few bucks extra and have beans to roast!
GG/SC is definately a good way to go, and BBQ have me very intrigued as well (likely my next step), but I would suggest picking up a popper for a few bucks at the local thrift store.
The batch size is a bit small, but it is a lot less work than what you just went through...considering the cost I would think it would a good thing to try even if it just holds you over until you upgrade.
As you can imagine, there is no such thing as too many roasting methods! LOL
bruce2006 Senior Member Joined: 29 Dec 2003 Posts: 36 Location: Southern California Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Zaffiro; PID Coffee Gaggia Grinder: DL Rocky Vac Pot: Bodum Drip: no Roaster: iRoast; Z & D; HWP; FR+;...
Posted Sat Oct 9, 2004, 2:50pm Subject: Re: Local Source for Green Beans?
When I visited San Diego in 2002, I found a roaster called Pannikin in the downtown area. They sold me several pounds of green beans. Their most interesting variety was an extra large bean coffee (from Guatamala, I believe ). Those beans were easily 50% larger than normal!
Posted Tue Oct 12, 2004, 12:44pm Subject: Re: Local Source for Green Beans?
bruce2006 Said:
When I visited San Diego in 2002, I found a roaster called Pannikin in the downtown area. They sold me several pounds of green beans. Their most interesting variety was an extra large bean coffee (from Guatamala, I believe ). Those beans were easily 50% larger than normal!
Great find! I called one that used to be in Del Mar, and the other in Point Loma. They both are closed, but iam happy to hear the one downtown is open. Thanks again.
Posted Tue Oct 12, 2004, 3:53pm Subject: Re: Local Source for Green Beans?
The other Pannikin that is quite cool is the one located in, I believe, Leucadia (North County). An old barn-like railroad station converted to a coffee shop. Great bakery stuff as well as coffee. If you go on a weekend, get there early - many others know about this gem.
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