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!

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NOTES:

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Coffee Bean Corral YouTube

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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!

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NOTES:

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Coffee Bean Corral YouTube

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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:

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Coffee Bean Corral YouTube

Coffee Bean Corral Website

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Episode 79: In this episode, we answer a question from a new roaster whose very first roast on his Fresh Roast SR800 was darker than he wanted, and he noticed oil on the beans. He asks us to explain what this oil is and how it may affect the coffee he brews with these beans. Are oily beans desirable? Are they a problem? Check out our response to find out!

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

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Episode 78: Can you reuse coffee storage bags? Is there a right way or wrong way of doing it? In this episode, Catherine and Stephen answer these questions and talk coffee storage best practices, and drop a HUGE announcement about Current Crop in the process!

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

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Episode 77: In this quick on-the-road episode, Stephen (while carefully and safely observing the rules of the road...) shares his absolute favorite reason to roast coffee, and the best way to get other folks into the coffee roasting hobby!

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

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Rancher Wholesale Website

Episode 76: This is sure to be our smelliest episode yet! Catherine and Stephen respond to an unusual question about post-roast aroma of all things, which, though unusual, proved to be quite a helpful conversation! Many people who've smelled roasting coffee come away with the same observation: "That doesn't smell like coffee at all!" But there's so much more that can be gleaned from the fragrance of just-roasted beans, which can help you determine before you even taste the brew whether you've hit a home run or made something...foul.

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 75: In this episode, we discuss an often under-treated subject: roaster capacity. How much coffee is too little for your machine? How much is too much? Apart from just reading the manufacturer's "minimum" and "maximum" capacity, can you find that Goldilocks 'sweet spot' for your specific machine? We dive into this question and several related questions to help point roasters in the right direction! Take a listen now!

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com

NOTES:

Fresh Roast SR540 and SR800

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