The Roast it Yourself Podcast

Figuring Out My Roaster's True Capacity

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

"Do You Favor Air Roasters or Drum Roasters?"

Episode 74: In this episode, Catherine and Stephen answer a question not about technical mumbo jumbo, but about their personal preference, about roasting styles, and about their first time roasting. Everybody starts somewhere, and often, where you start roasting plays a defining role in your greater roasting journey from there on. If you're an experienced roaster, you can certainly relate, and if you're a newbie, this discussion is sure to help you get started on the right foot!
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

New Roaster: Should I Just Stick to One Bean?

Episode 73: This week's question is from a newbie roaster who asks whether they should try a whole bunch of different coffees, or just pick one or two that they really like. It seems like a simple question, but it led to a lively discussion and a ton of helpful tips for newbies (or longtime roasters who feel stuck in a rut!) We hope you enjoy!
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

Tips on Espresso Extraction?

Episode 72: This week, we (mostly Stephen, because it's his thing!) answer a customer's question about dialing in espresso extraction, and discuss how different roast methods can affect how the coffee is extracted. How do you figure out what's right (or wrong) with a shot of espresso? What steps can you take to adjust or "dial in" your shot? We dive into it all here!
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com
NOTES:
Follow Our NEW Instagram Account @RIY_POD
CHECK US OUT HERE:
Coffee Bean Corral YouTube
Coffee Bean Corral Website
Current Crop Roasting Shop Website
Rancher Wholesale Website

How to Set Up A Coffee Cupping

Episode 71: This week, we (mostly Catherine, because it's her thing!) answer a customer's question about how to set up a coffee cupping, focusing on the nitty-gritty details of ratios, times, and temps. If you're interested in learning how to taste coffee the way professionals do, give this episode a listen!
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com
NOTES:
Cafe Kreyol study "How Long Should Coffee Rest..."
Follow Our NEW Instagram Account @RIY_POD
CHECK US OUT HERE:
Coffee Bean Corral YouTube
Coffee Bean Corral Website
Current Crop Roasting Shop Website
Rancher Wholesale Website

Can You Really Track Roast Level By Weight Loss?

Episode 70: This week, we answer a question from a listener who has been tracking his coffee's weight loss percentage from green to roasted, and using a very precise scale to determine roast level based on the moisture loss. He asks what we think of that method and for our tips on determining roast level using this and other means.
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com
NOTES:
Follow Our NEW Instagram Account @RIY_POD
CHECK US OUT HERE:
Coffee Bean Corral YouTube
Coffee Bean Corral Website
Current Crop Roasting Shop Website
Rancher Wholesale Website

YOU can roast coffee today!

BONUS EPISODE: Stephen gave a talk at last weekend's NOLA Coffee Festival in New Orleans, which we recorded to release as a bonus episode! In "The Essentials of Home Roasting," Stephen covers both the conceptual aspects of coffee roasting as well as their nuts-and-bolts practical application to get you creating the coffee you want today. Even if you're an experienced roaster, there's sure to be a new perspective on the roasting process that just may help you improve your game! We hope you enjoy!
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com
NOTES:
View the slideshow here
Check out our limited offering of Arabica Coffee Plants here!
Follow Our NEW Instagram Account @RIY_POD
CHECK US OUT HERE:
Coffee Bean Corral YouTube
Coffee Bean Corral Website
Current Crop Roasting Shop Website
Rancher Wholesale Website

Removing chaff from roasted coffee?

Episode 69: Have you ever wondered if the chaff makes a difference? Typically, larger specialty roasteries will tumble to "polish" their roasted coffee, removing the majority of the chaff in the process, but is this necessary for the home roaster? Does it really affect flavor or cup quality? We get into these questions while answering a listener's email, so we hope you enjoy!
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com
NOTES:
Check out our limited offering of Arabica Coffee Plants here!
Follow Our NEW Instagram Account @RIY_POD
CHECK US OUT HERE:
Coffee Bean Corral YouTube
Coffee Bean Corral Website
Current Crop Roasting Shop Website
Rancher Wholesale Website

An Easy Way To Use the Coffee Taster's Flavor Wheel

Episode 68: This week, we dive into the colorful world of the Coffee Taster's Flavor Wheel! While this tool can seem intimidating or overwhelming, it's actually quite useful for beginner coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike! Check out this episode to see how Catherine and Stephen use the Wheel, and how you can too!
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com
NOTES:
Check out our limited offering of Arabica Coffee Plants here!
Here's an interactive Coffee Taster's Flavor Wheel
Follow Our NEW Instagram Account @RIY_POD
CHECK US OUT HERE:
Coffee Bean Corral YouTube
Coffee Bean Corral Website
Current Crop Roasting Shop Website
Rancher Wholesale Website

"Does Great Crema Mean Great Espresso?"

Episode 67: This week, we dive into a question from a listener about what makes a good shot of espresso, specifically, whether or not crema affects the overall quality of the espresso shot. This question is actually an interesting one, and more complicated than you might think! So check out this episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com
NOTES:
Sumatra Mutu Batak from Current Crop Roasting Shop
Follow Our NEW Instagram Account @RIY_POD
CHECK US OUT HERE:
Coffee Bean Corral YouTube
Coffee Bean Corral Website
Current Crop Roasting Shop Website
Rancher Wholesale Website