Well, I decided it was time to roast some of the Nicaraguan Jalapa I recently bought from a certain coffee supplier in the Staffordshire region.
With much trepidation I weighed out my 250g of greens and introduced them to the Hottop. This was going to be a rough ride - after my experiences with the Lozahoren I figured it wanted to be treated gently, but just wasn't sure if my heart and soul could cope with dumping beans before second crack had completed.
After what seemed like an eternity first crack started, only very gently. By this time the palpitations were very - er - palpable and my fingers were trembling near the Eject button, wondering whether I could actually bring myself to do it.
As first crack peaked, and I felt like I was cracking as much as the beans, my hands shook beside the control panel. This was going to be tough.
Reaching down inside I mustered all the strength I could summon and did it. I pressed the Eject button just as the peak of first crack passed. Some very strange objects fell into the cooling tray, they were golden brown rather than dark brown. Further mental turmoil followed as I fought the urge to dispose of the beans that would normally have been classified as ruined.
Finally, having calmed down to the point I was willing to admit to myself that I had completed a light roast I put the beans in a sealed bag and left them a couple of days. I have to say the results are truly heavenly.
That's not to say I'm a convert to the paths of lightness but for certain beans it works very nicely. Hope you enjoyed the tale as much as I'm enjoying the coffee!