Episode 81: Can you tell the difference between a Colombian washed and an Ethiopian natural just by looking at the unroasted beans? In this episode, we answer a listener's question about identifying coffee origins and processing methods by what we can glean from the green coffee beans themselves!

Catherine and Stephen share useful tips on what to look for when examining green coffee beans, including:

Visual Identification Tips:

✅ Size & Shape: Small beans (Yemeni, Ethiopian) vs. large beans (Kenyan AA, Indian Mysore Nuggets)

✅ Color Indicators: Processing methods leave distinct visual signatures (natural process = darker/reddish tones)

✅ Density Differences: Feel the weight - Monsoon Malabar vs. dense high-altitude beans

✅ Peaberries: Recognize the unique oval/tubular shape vs. traditional flat-sided beans

✅ Moisture & Sheen: What the surface tells you about freshness and processing

Pro Tip: Create your own reference collection! Save 10 beans from each coffee in labeled Ziploc bags to build a visual comparison library.

Plus in this episode:

- Updates from Current Crop's new espresso bar and pastry launch

- Why taking detailed roasting notes is crucial

- Special shout-out to listeners who visited from Texas!

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com

NOTES:

Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD

CHECK US OUT HERE:

Coffee Bean Corral YouTube

Coffee Bean Corral Website

Current Crop Roasting Shop Website

Rancher Wholesale Website

Episode 81: Ever wondered how to nail that bold, dark French roast at home? In this episode, we tackle listener Theron's question about achieving a perfect French Roast using the Fresh Roast SR540 with the extension tube. Certified Q-grader Catherine Mansa breaks down the low-and-slow method for dark roasting, including crucial tips like:

- When and why to lower your fan speed during second crack

- How to avoid bitter, over-roasted beans

- Visual cues for the perfect French roast (hint: it's all about that thin layer of oil)

- The best coffee origins for dark roasting (and which ones to avoid)

Plus, Catherine shares exciting updates about the new espresso bar at Current Crop Roasting Shop in New Orleans!

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com

NOTES:

Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD

CHECK US OUT HERE:

Coffee Bean Corral YouTube

Coffee Bean Corral Website

Current Crop Roasting Shop Website

Rancher Wholesale Website

Episode 80: In this episode, we review a new roaster's roast log to help figure out why he's not getting the results he's looking for using his Fresh Roast SR800. We talk about troubleshooting in general and discuss which data points in a roast are the most vital to achieving that perfect result we're all chasing! Check out the photo of his roast log here.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com

NOTES:

Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD

CHECK US OUT HERE:

Coffee Bean Corral YouTube

Coffee Bean Corral Website

Current Crop Roasting Shop Website

Rancher Wholesale Website