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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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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NOTES:

Fresh Roast SR540 and SR800

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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!

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NOTES:

Fresh Roast SR540 and SR800

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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!

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NOTES:

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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!

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NOTES:

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