In recent years, Aji chili coffee has become a hot topic in the specialty coffee community. What exactly is its relationship with Geisha and Bourbon? Does it really have a spicy flavor? This article takes an in-depth look at this washed Aji chili coffee from Colombia’s Boundary Line Estate, covering everything from the origin of the variety and genetic analysis to actual cupping performance. We’ll give you a comprehensive understanding of this unique coffee’s background and flavor characteristics, along with practical roasting and brewing references. [more…]

Have you ever wondered why when you walk into a coffee shop and order a latte, the default version you’re given is always made with whole fresh milk? What makes whole fresh milk the golden standard for milk coffee? This article delves into how the proteins, fats, and lactose in fresh milk affect the flavor of coffee and the performance of milk foam. It also compares the key differences between pasteurized fresh milk and UHT shelf-stable milk in terms of sterilization methods, flavor retention, and shelf life—helping you make better choices whether you're brewing at home or selecting ingredients. [more…]

The coffee market is fiercely competitive, yet in just under 90 days, Cotti Coffee has shut down 250 stores — a stark contrast to Luckin, which closed only 89 stores in the same period. What’s behind Cotti’s struggles? From franchisee reports of data manipulation, to unsustainable subsidies that fail to retain talent, to the founder facing enforcement actions, a series of issues have come to light. This article takes an in-depth look at the crisis facing Cotti. [more…]

Many visitors, lured by the artistic café filters on social media, make special trips to the rice field-side café in Dali, Yunnan—only to find a huge gap between reality and the photos. This article takes an in-depth look at the true face of influencer cafés, explores how seasons and weather affect photo results, and offers practical advice to help coffee lovers do their homework before checking in, avoiding disappointment. [more…]

Although the El Niño phenomenon is coming to an end, several countries in East Africa continue to suffer from heavy rains and flooding. Kenya has been hit particularly hard, with at least 289 people killed and 280,000 left homeless. The hardest-hit areas include major coffee-growing regions such as Nyeri, Nakuru, and Kiambu, which are currently in the critical flowering and fruit-setting stages. This could lead to a significant reduction in the next harvest season. This article delves into the impact of the disaster on the coffee supply chain and how international aid can help farmers weather the crisis. [more…]

Thanks to its geographical and climatic advantages, Thailand has cultivated distinctly different coffee-growing landscapes in the north and south. From high-quality Arabica grown in the high-altitude regions of the north, to the commonly found Robusta in the south, to the rare elephant dung coffee seen in only a few places worldwide—each variety carries a unique story. This article will take you on an in-depth journey through Thailand’s coffee region distribution, the characteristics of its main coffee varieties, and the unusual production process of elephant dung coffee, helping you grasp the essence of this Southeast Asian coffee nation. [more…]

Want to experience the flavors of two different beans in a single pour over? The dual-chamber filter paper launched by Spanish accessories brand Sibarist allows you to brew two distinct coffees in the same dripper without pre-blending. This uniquely designed hollow filter separates two types of coffee grounds, enabling you to adjust brewing parameters through different grind sizes or bean varieties, resulting in a unique and versatile cup. However, the nearly 8 RMB price tag per sheet has sparked quite a discussion. [more…]

Did you know that coffee beans are actually the seeds of the coffee cherry? This article provides an in-depth analysis of the seven-layer structure of the coffee cherry—from the outer skin to the silver skin—and how each layer affects subsequent processing and flavor. It also breaks down the key components of green coffee beans, including moisture, lipids, chlorogenic acids, and caffeine, while comparing the differences between Arabica and Robusta to help you better understand the science behind a cup of coffee. [more…]

The emoji-themed ice cup jointly launched by Starbucks and Tencent sparked heated discussion after the first row of smiley face icons was interpreted by netizens as "passive-aggressive." While the design was originally meant to resonate with chat app culture, it unexpectedly became a medium for office workers to express their emotions. This article analyzes the reasons behind the shift in the context of emoji usage, explores how brand collaborations tap into consumer psychology, and offers practical suggestions for purchasing similar merchandise. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts wonder if pour over coffee can achieve a crema-like richness similar to espresso. The key lies in the lipid content of the coffee beans themselves and the filtration characteristics of the filter. This article delves into how lipids influence coffee flavor, compares the effects of different filter materials—such as flannel and non-woven fabric—on the presentation of pour over crema, and offers practical advice to help you adjust your brewing method for a richer, fuller-bodied taste experience. [more…]

Explore the coffee mysteries of Bolivia, an inland South American nation — from the diverse-altitude Yungas region to the distinctive Java variety — and understand how its unique geography shapes profound flavors. This article delves into the characteristics of three major producing regions, the primary cultivated varieties, and the key factors influencing flavor, bringing you practical knowledge for selecting and appreciating Bolivian coffee. [more…]

The global supply of Robusta coffee is facing serious challenges. Major producing regions such as Vietnam and Brazil have experienced persistent drought and uneven rainfall, which have hindered the growth of coffee trees, leading to significant expected production declines. Analysts predict that the global Robusta coffee market could face a supply gap of 2.7 million bags in 2025, and price trends are attracting close attention. This article will take you through the current situation in the producing regions, the causes of the production decline, and future market changes. [more…]

Starbucks recently launched two kombucha-based specialty drinks quietly at select stores, sparking heated discussions in the market. This move not only reflects the challenges faced by chain coffee brands in product innovation, but also reveals the growing consumer demand for healthier beverage options. This article delves into the characteristics of kombucha, current market trends, and explores how brands can find new directions within their product lines, offering readers practical references for choices and judgment. [more…]

Many people wonder: if the raw material cost of a cup of coffee is as low as just a few yuan, yet the selling price often reaches twenty yuan or more, why is it still difficult for coffee shops to break even in the short term? This article takes an in-depth look at the real operational challenges faced by independent coffee shops and chain brands in areas such as raw material procurement, rent and labor costs, and brand constraints. It helps you understand the gap between ideal and reality, and provides practical references to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in making more rational decisions. [more…]

Guatemala’s coffee cultivation area is expanding, but smallholder farmers still face challenges such as high fertilizer costs, labor shortages, and insufficient processing facilities. This article delves into the current state of the country’s coffee industry, explores the survival strategies of smallholders amid climate change and market fluctuations, and offers practical advice on cultivation and processing to help you understand the challenges and opportunities in Guatemalan coffee. [more…]

Although Venezuela is not a major global coffee exporter, its diverse microclimates—from the foothills of the Andes to the northeastern highlands—nurture classic varieties such as Typica and Bourbon, as well as the unique locally bred variety 'Caribe.' This article takes you deep into the altitude distribution, harvest seasons, and variety characteristics of Venezuela’s four major regions, while also decoding the breeding background and flavor potential of Caribe, providing practical insights for coffee enthusiasts seeking niche specialty beans. [more…]

The Shortie is often mistaken for a mini version of the latte, but this 3-ounce small milk coffee is not only distinctive in size and recipe—it also embodies the essence of Australian coffee culture. What exactly are the subtle differences between a Shortie and a latte? From extraction ratios and milk foam thickness to cup selection, this article delves into the origins, flavor characteristics, and brewing challenges of the Shortie, helping you better appreciate the charm of this refined coffee. [more…]

Shanghai is set to implement a new version of the Food Operation Management Measures on May 10, 2024, significantly relaxing restrictions on the combined operation of coffee and food services. The six-square-meter minimum preparation space requirement has been removed, allowing non-food businesses such as bookstores and clothing stores to apply for on-site beverage preparation. The regulation revises “prepared on-site for immediate sale” to “prepared and sold on-site,” streamlining business categories and relaxing requirements for simple food preparations like sliced cucumbers. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the policy changes to help businesses seize new opportunities and stay compliant with food safety guidelines. [more…]

Once famed for its 'third place' concept, Starbucks has in recent years faced dissatisfaction from members due to the occupation of seats by a large number of non-paying customers. Recently, it has been reported that some stores have implemented a 'polite removal' policy for those who occupy seats without making a purchase, sparking heated discussions about the brand's positioning and business strategy. This article delves into the reasons behind this policy, various viewpoints, and offers practical advice on using public space reasonably in cafés. [more…]

Want to enjoy a fancy iced coffee that’s both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds on a hot summer day? Starbucks’ popular drink “Iced Shaken Espresso,” known for its striking three-layer structure of dark brown espresso, beige-colored milk, and a frothy top layer, has become a DIY challenge for many coffee enthusiasts. This guide will walk you through how to recreate this highly sought-after iced coffee using simple tools and ingredients—by mastering the correct extraction ratio, shaker bottle shaking technique, and layer-pouring method. Follow along step-by-step to easily master this trendy beverage. [more…]