Many pour over beginners find that after brewing, the coffee bed is flat with no indentation, which may indicate uneven extraction. This article delves into the three main reasons why the grind pit disappears, including the coffee bed not being raised high enough, insufficient stirring force from the water flow, and improper circular pouring range. It also clarifies the misconception between roast level and grind pit depth, helping readers master the correct pour over techniques to enhance flavor consistency in their coffee. [more…]

The March export report from Colombia’s National Federation of Coffee Growers (FNC) shows that both production and export volumes declined month-on-month, primarily due to the impact of drought conditions. Although there was still year-on-year growth, the industry faces numerous challenges, and whether the government should take over the FNC has sparked heated discussion. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the latest data, the effects of climate change on production, the ongoing policy debate, and recommends Colombian coffee beans suitable for pour over brewing, helping readers stay on top of market trends and bean selection. [more…]

Have you noticed that certain well-known coffee-growing regions tend to plant only a few fixed varieties? For example, Brazil favors Bourbon, while Jamaica Blue Mountain almost exclusively grows Typica. This phenomenon is actually closely related to historical diseases, varietal adaptability, and scientific research promotion. This article delves into how leaf rust reshaped global coffee cultivation patterns, and introduces you to several lab-bred varieties—including Catuai, SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, and H1—to understand how they [more…]

In recent years, special coffee sets at coffee festivals have become mainstream, with visitors often carrying trays loaded with multiple drinks—many of which are limited-edition combos launched by brands. While this sales model is convenient for both vendors and consumers, it has also sparked discussions about bundled sales. This article delves into the reasons behind the prevalence of special sets under high booth costs, explores the pros and cons for consumer experience, and offers practical selection advice. [more…]

Global chain coffee brands are facing unprecedented challenges. Starbucks' market value plummeted by over a hundred billion overnight, while Luckin reported a loss in the most recent quarter after previously turning a profit. As consumer markets return to rationality, price wars lose effectiveness, and the benefits of brand collaborations diminish, how should chain coffee businesses adjust their strategies? This article delves into the latest financial reports to help you understand the direction of industry transformation. [more…]

Recently, global coffee futures prices have seen a significant pullback, with both London’s Robusta and New York’s Arabica main contracts declining. However, export data from Brazil and Vietnam remain strong, indicating continued support on the supply side. This article analyzes the key factors behind the recent futures price movements, including the latest export performance from Vietnam and Brazilian growing regions, the impact of drought, and climate uncertainty, helping readers grasp market trends and future developments. [more…]

Have you ever wondered why Jamaican Blue Mountain is almost exclusively Typica, Brazil mainly produces Bourbon, and Panama is famous for Geisha? In fact, these fixed "origin–variety" pairings are not coincidences but the result of a complex interplay of history, environment, disease, and market forces. This article will take you through how Typica, Bourbon, and Geisha spread around the world, why they have remained dominant in certain regions, and also share practical bean selection knowledge to help you better understand the coffee in your cup. [more…]

Starbucks and QQ have joined forces to launch a limited-edition collaborative event, featuring two innovative iced cold brew drinks paired with nostalgic virtual props from the QQ Show. This collaboration aims to evoke shared memories among Gen Z and early 2000s internet users. In addition to a flavor breakdown of the “Pineapple Lemon Iced Cold Brew” and the “Golden Drink Light Gold Iced Cold Brew,” this article delves into the design inspirations behind the exclusive merchandise and takes you down memory lane to revisit how the QQ Show became an iconic symbol of online identity for a generation. [more…]

JJ Lin’s coffee brand, Miracle Coffee, grandly opened its store at IGC Tianhui Plaza in Guangzhou during the May Day holiday, drawing hours-long queues. This article provides a detailed guide to the store’s location, beverage offerings, merchandise, and practical information fans care about most—such as whether JJ Lin made an appearance—while also analyzing why ingredients sold out quickly and offering tips for queuing. [more…]

Gaining an in-depth understanding of how the moisture content, density, and size of green coffee beans affect roasting results is essential knowledge for every coffee enthusiast and amateur roaster. This article provides a detailed analysis of how these three key indicators specifically influence heat transfer and flavor release, and systematically introduces the characteristics and potential hazards of common defects such as shell beans, insect-damaged beans, and moldy beans. It helps you accurately screen beans before roasting to enhance the purity and complexity of the final cup. [more…]

As the fifth flavor, umami has gradually appeared in the flavor descriptions of specialty coffee, but have you truly tasted the "umami" in your coffee? This article delves into the science behind umami, explores the role of glutamates in coffee, analyzes the interaction between smell and taste, and explains why many people mistakenly perceive saltiness as umami due to improper extraction. It helps you more accurately grasp the layers of coffee flavor and avoid tasting misconceptions. [more…]

An in-depth exploration of the naturally processed coffee beans produced in Alo Village, Bensa Town, within Ethiopia’s renowned Sidama coffee region. From the origin of the region’s name and its geographical and climatic characteristics, to the unique traits of the coffee variety and processing methods, this article will guide you through how these richly flavored, multi-layered beans make their journey from high-altitude mountain farms to your cup. We also provide practical V60 pour over parameters to help you fully experience its distinctive aromas and taste profile. [more…]

According to official Panamanian climate change research, by 2050, local rainfall is expected to significantly decrease while temperatures continue to rise, directly threatening the growing environment and yields of high-economic-value crops such as coffee. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Panama’s climate change trends over the next thirty years, explores their potential impact on coffee cultivation, and offers key data and practical insights to help readers understand possible flavor shifts in specialty beans like Geisha. [more…]

The world’s premier specialty coffee competition, the Cup of Excellence (COE), returns to Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, in 2024. For the first time this year, the competition is divided into two separate categories: natural and washed processing methods. Over 600 samples have already entered the evaluation stage. This article delves into the history of this international competition, its competition mechanism, and the story behind the record-breaking price of $400.5 per pound set in 2022. It also explores how Ethiopian coffee farmers elevate their quality through competitions and predicts what might stand out this year. [more…]

Prolonged heavy rains in East Africa have severely impacted key coffee-growing areas in central Kenya, with Nyeri, Kiambu, and Nakuru experiencing serious flooding. The disasters have not only caused casualties and damaged infrastructure but also directly threatened coffee farms that are about to enter their flowering and fruiting stages. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the potential impact of the disaster on the upcoming harvest season and tracks local coffee auction price trends to help coffee enthusiasts stay informed on market movements and future purchasing decisions. [more…]

Blue Bottle Coffee’s Shinagawa branch, with its large north-facing windows offering an unobstructed view of the bustling commuter traffic at Shinagawa Station, has unexpectedly become a popular spot for observing the daily lives of so-called “salarymen.” However, this unique vista has stirred discomfort among those being photographed, prompting the café to implement an unusual rule: “No photography of the commuting crowd outside the window.” This article delves into the café’s distinctive situation, exploring the delicate balance between observational culture, customer privacy, and business management. [more…]

Every year when star ice dumplings go on sale, Starbucks stores face a sales challenge. Although the flavors have been improved this year, consumers’ impressions of these small-sized dumplings remain unchanged, putting extra pressure on the staff. To meet sales targets, employees have resorted to various creative methods—from buy-one-get-one promotions, hand-drawn custom designs, and exaggerated marketing copy to even subsidizing purchases out of their own pockets. Meanwhile, scalpers have taken the opportunity to buy discount vouchers at low prices and resell them for profit. Recently, the brand seems to have stepped up efforts to crack down on such violations. This article will take an in-depth look [more…]

If you’re looking to step into the world of coffee roasting, the first step is to master the basic types of equipment and the professional terminology involved in the roasting process. This article will introduce the heat transfer principles of three major types of coffee roasters—direct-fire, semi-direct-fire, and hot-air—as well as their respective pros and cons. We’ll also explain key roasting stages and terminology in detail, such as charge temperature, turning point, first crack and second crack, drying phase, and development phase. By understanding these fundamentals, you’ll be able to control the roasting rhythm more steadily, enhance the flavor expression of your coffee, and avoid unnecessary mistakes. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts have this question: how long can ground coffee be stored after being ground from beans? In fact, the optimal flavor period for ground coffee is only about one month, much shorter than that of whole beans, which is around two months. This is mainly due to the rapid loss of carbon dioxide, which accelerates the dissipation of aroma. This article delves into the reasons behind the decline in ground coffee flavor and offers practical storage advice, including how to choose airtight containers, reduce the number of openings, and control the storage environment, helping you effectively extend [more…]

Blue Bottle Coffee has officially launched its first takeaway channel on a third-party platform, allowing customers in Shanghai to order its signature coffees online while enjoying exclusive opening promotions. This article provides an in-depth look at the brand’s recent strategic adjustments in store expansion, pop-up events, and delivery services. It explores how the brand is adapting to market competition and offers practical advice for selecting specialty coffee, helping readers stay updated on the latest trends and flavor profiles. [more…]