Katie, our Assistant Roastmaster, has been with us for about a year and a half. In that time, we've gotten to know her pretty well, including just how thoughtful and talented she is. We sat down with Katie recently and explored a little bit under the surface to find out about coffee life from her perspective.
What surprised you most about coffee roasting when you first got involved?
The first crack! I’m blown away by the observable progression of a roast, specifically the very dramatic cracking sound that the beans make as they reach around 380 degrees Fahrenheit, when they release moisture and CO2.
How has your relationship to coffee changed over your time working with the Homestead?
I’ve always been most passionate about the connections that coffee inspires. Growing up, coffee was the first smell filling the house in the morning. My mom still brews a pot of coffee and sometimes travels with the whole glass carafe and mugs in hand to offer company to a neighbor or family member.
I’ve worked as a barista, and enjoyed few things more than offering someone a warm cup and a smile and the humanity that comes with those very simple things. Spending time at the Homestead, roasting and collaborating with the Lewis’s, has kind of blown my coffee-connection-world wide open, on a more macro level.
Understanding and exploring the relationships between farmers, importers, roasters, cafes and restaurants, and individual customers - there are so many collaborative parties, connected on a global level. My coffee world has gotten much, much bigger… and I’m able to appreciate the minute intricacies of attention and skill on every level.
Do you help choose the new beans and develop the roasts for those new beans? Is it a collaborative process?
Yes! Collaborative is the perfect adjective. Everybody has their hands and hearts in every part of the business. It’s a constant evolution of tasting, testing, discussing, taking things apart and putting them back together in a better way. Some of my favorite moments are in tasting and discussing samples with Michael and Trevor.
Do you feel that you are able to bring something unique to the work that you do? In other words, is there room for artistic expression or is the art actually in being able to maintain consistency/repeat a roast formula?
So many things. What comes to mind first is the trend in consumer consciousness that allows us to make ethical and responsible decisions about purchasing beans, and how we package them for retail. I can’t tell you how excited I am every time I finish a bag of coffee in our new backyard compostable bags. I freak out! It’s just going to melt away, I’m not adding anything to a landfill. And it’s only because people care about what they’re purchasing that we’re able to invest in something like this and make it sustainable, economically.
How do you create balance for yourself in and outside of work?
Honestly, the Homestead is the most naturally balanced working experience I’ve ever had, and I’m grateful for that every day. I do a lot of sun salutations, in and out of work. I enjoy a healthy mix of light-hearted mischief and down and dirty work, coupled with an intricate craft that engages my mind and senses, and offers the challenge to consistently improve my skills. I do wonder sometimes if I absorb coffee through my pores when I’m grinding large amounts and it gets everywhere, so I make sure to drink a lot of water.
Comments
Linda Rose Janus
Delicious coffee, genuine people, community atmosphere and great eats who could want more… If u ever get more of mytinted lip and cheek balm from better bee id b over the moom 908 644 9683… Keep on doing what your doing you ate all first rate in my book xo
April 19, 2019
Jack Kime
I’m quite happy to be Katie’s Dad. I work for a French Logistics company in Houston. I’ve introduced Homestead to some very discriminating Europeans. It’s a staple to have a demi tasse at Monday planning sessions. I’m glad Katie and Michael and Trevor and coffee all found each other, in a truly spectacular setting on the banks of the Delaware. It’s how the story is supposed to go.
March 13, 2018
Dave Schultze
Great article. I have been considering going to Artisan Coffee Roasters in Waterbury, VT to take one of their courses on coffee roasting. However if Michael can work out something at Homestead I would prefer to learn more about the trade there!! It would be more satisfying apprenticing with folks I have already built a relationship with. Any possibility? I will be back to Black Eddy in a few weeks and could discuss more.
Dave Schultze
October 28, 2017
Barbara Fritze
I love this place. Went for breakfast on the recommendation of Katie. Love the coffee and the food. Katie is a wonderful very down to earth person live her insite s. A great interview
October 28, 2017
Bob Rau
Malasana at work. You are so cool !!
October 26, 2017
Pat Kime
What a fantastic article about Homestead Coffee and Katie Kime! The beautiful pictures tell a thousand words. As a grateful drinker of Homestead Coffee each day, I have a new appreciation of the efforts that go into these magical blends. It’s a perfect way to start each day!
October 26, 2017
Peggy Kime
Thoughtful questions and thoughtful responses from my favorite grand daughter. Love you Kate!
October 26, 2017
Ann Schnur
That’s our Katie ?, I can’t wait to get my first order . I have visited your store & roasterie and have sampled your Dark Eddie amount other flavors . We have also found them in a bistro in Bethlehem, pa
October 26, 2017
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