Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Batch Brew • Latte Art • Crema

First Crack

Term from Cafes industry explained for recruiters

First Crack is an important term in coffee roasting that refers to the first audible popping sound that occurs during the coffee roasting process. It's similar to the sound of popcorn popping and marks a crucial moment when beans begin to expand and develop their flavor. When you see this term on a resume, it shows that the person has hands-on coffee roasting experience, as understanding and identifying First Crack is a fundamental skill in coffee roasting. It's like a chef knowing when pasta is perfectly al dente - it's a basic but crucial skill in the profession.

Examples in Resumes

Monitored and controlled First Crack timing to ensure consistent roast profiles

Trained junior roasters to identify First Crack and adjust heat accordingly

Developed roast profiles by carefully timing First Crack to highlight bean characteristics

Typical job title: "Coffee Roasters"

Also try searching for:

Coffee Roaster Head Roaster Roasting Technician Production Roaster Artisan Coffee Roaster Coffee Production Specialist

Where to Find Coffee Roasters

Professional Networks

Job Boards

Learning Resources

• Coffee Roasting Forums
• Coffee Reddit Community

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you adjust roasting profiles based on First Crack timing?

Expected Answer: A senior roaster should explain how they modify heat application before and after First Crack to achieve specific flavor profiles, and how they adapt for different bean varieties and batch sizes.

Q: How do you train others to identify and work with First Crack?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate teaching experience by explaining methods for helping others recognize the sound, timing, and visual cues of First Crack, and how to make appropriate adjustments.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What typical temperature range do you expect for First Crack?

Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss general temperature ranges for First Crack and how different factors like bean origin and roasting equipment can affect this.

Q: How do you document First Crack in your roast logs?

Expected Answer: Should explain their system for recording First Crack timing, temperature, and any adjustments made, showing understanding of consistency and quality control.

Junior Level Questions

Q: How do you identify First Crack during roasting?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the distinctive popping sound and visual changes in the beans that indicate First Crack is occurring.

Q: Why is First Crack important in coffee roasting?

Expected Answer: Should explain that First Crack indicates a crucial development stage in the roasting process where significant chemical changes occur in the beans.