Blissful coffee and other stuff on the block

Back in September I posted on our coffee harvest for this year (about 3kgs). Given we have a bit more time on our hands now our work-work project is finished for now,   we are now doing the husking, sorting, roasting, grinding, brewing and drinking of the coffee that has travelled 50m across the block - zero food miles!!!

Barry Smith © Coffee blossom

I thought I'd share a few photos of the process and end result. First the beans dried and ready for husking.

Barry Smith © Dried coffee beans with husks on

Husking using a small hand operated machine.

Barry Smith © Husking 

Barry Smith © Hand operated husker

The green de-husked and roasted beans.

Barry Smith © Green coffee beans 

Barry Smith © Roasted coffee beans

The beans above were roasted for 15 minutes at 245F. The cup of coffee made from these beans tasted smooth but a little light - needs more edge - will do 17 minutes next time.

Barry Smith © Green bananas off the block

Barry Smith © Ripening bananas 

We have also been busy with our bananas - harvested a couple of bunches - and of course with the warm weather they have all ripened over the last week. So we have been: eating them - frequently; giving them away by the dozen; baking with them - banana bread and muffins (Fiona); drying them (Barry); and making banana jam (Fiona).

Barry Smith © Fiona's excellent banana jam

Fiona has asked me to refrain from using the 'b' word in the house for a little while.