The Journey of Coffee
03 Sep 2024

Roasting
Beyond the beans and coffee plants, roasting is a key stage in the coffee journey. Technologically speaking, it is a complex, specialized, and creative activity. Luciano Iamonte, an Italy-based coffee roaster and member of the Slow Food Coffee Coalition, is one of the key players in this journey.
With a decade of roasting experience, Luciano has tested the potential of the technology of Sweet Coffee Italia, a manufacturer of coffee roasting equipment, combining traditional techniques with advanced technology to create his roasting profiles, thus offering a perspective on the evolution of the world of coffee roasting.
Innovation and Tradition
Founded 20 years ago, Sweet Coffee Italia is based on a family passion for coffee that began with Brian di Santo’s grandfather in Brazil. Along with an innovative approach, this legacy led to the development of Sweet Coffee Italia’s electric roasting machines, designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Energy-Efficient Roasting
According to Brian, Sweet Coffee Italia started with first-generation machines that used thermoelectric heating elements, similar to the coils in traditional ovens. These machines offered an alternative to conventional gas-fired roasters but still had limitations in terms of energy efficiency. The breakthrough came with the second-generation machines, which use an electromagnetic field built outside the drum, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions by not using any combustion gas. This innovative approach minimizes convective losses, ensuring that energy is converted directly into heat for roasting. As a result, these machines offer a new horizon in coffee roasting, making the process more sustainable and precise.
The Roasting Result
Luciano emphasizes the advantages of Sweet Coffee Italia’s machines over traditional gas roasters, which require long preheating times and have variable heating responses, affecting roasting consistency and quality. Sweet Coffee Italia’s electric roasters, on the other hand, offer immediate heating and cooling, eliminating delays and improving control of the roasting process.
The Roasting Process
Roasting is a delicate balance of science and art, represented by a curve illustrating the different stages:
Drying: Green coffee beans lose moisture and become elastic, turning from green to yellow.
Maillard Reaction: Crucial to the development of aromas and flavors, the chemical compounds in the beans caramelize.
First Fracture: Internal pressure causes the kernels to open, and is marked by the so-called bean crack (surface breakage).
Final Development: Varies according to the desired roasting profile and extraction method, affecting the flavor and aroma of the coffee.
The Evolution of Coffee Roasting
Sweet Coffee Italia’s switch from traditional gas roasters to electric machines represents a significant advancement toward sustainability in coffee production. By reducing energy consumption and eliminating harmful emissions, these machines are in line with the global push toward sustainability.
As the world of roasting continues to evolve, Luciano’s journey and Sweet Coffee Italia’s technological innovations represent a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Stay tuned for part two, where we will delve into roasting techniques and explore more stories from the world of artisanal coffee.
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