Delve into the "Strawberry Candy" specialty coffee beans launched by Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region Mirasù Estate. This innovative blend features varieties such as Gesha, ET47, SL28, and MAICO, processed with a raisin honey method that highlights intense strawberry sweetness and floral complexity. This article breaks down its varietal background, processing technique, regional characteristics, and practical brewing references to help you grasp this highly distinctive specialty coffee experience. [more…]

Want to improve your coffee tasting skills but hesitant about the pricey aroma kit? This article provides an in-depth analysis of the popular 36-aroma "Le Nez du Café" (Coffee Aroma) kit, covering its history, application in SCA courses, and a detailed breakdown of the four major aroma categories: enzymatic, caramelization, dry distillation, and defect groups — along with their specific flavor characteristics. It also offers training methods for all levels, including categorized memorization and blind tasting exercises, helping you effectively calibrate your sense of smell and enhance your ability to identify coffee flavors. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts can distinguish between acidity and bitterness, but struggle to capture subtle aromas. This article delves into the scientific composition of coffee flavors, exploring the differences between orthonasal and retronasal olfaction, the volatility of over a thousand aromatic compounds, and how to use the flavor wheel and daily training to enhance your sensory perception. Mastering these techniques allows you to more accurately appreciate the layers and value of coffee. [more…]

At Manner coffee shops, many customers cover their reusable cups with stickers, originally meant to differentiate orders but gradually evolving into personal displays or even “collections.” However, these thermal paper labels are not only hard to peel off and prone to leaving residue, but prolonged exposure to liquids may also breed bacteria, raising hygiene concerns. This article delves into the practicality and health risks of BYO cup labels, along with practical cleaning and usage advice. [more…]

Starbucks is set to launch April-exclusive collaboration merchandise with Disney in mainland China, which initially generated great excitement among fans—especially those who have long followed limited-edition merchandise from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Macau. However, once the featured characters and the design of the mug were officially revealed, it sparked heated discussion and controversy. Why has this design, themed around the protagonist of "Alice in Wonderland," left netizens so disappointed? This article will take an in-depth look at the backstory behind these much-debated collaboration cups. [more…]

Brazil’s 2024/25 coffee season is about to begin, but the pre-sale progress of the new crop is significantly behind that of previous years. According to the latest industry data, the sales ratio of Arabica and Robusta is far lower than average, with reasons including pricing factors, market expectations, and climate change. This article delves into the main causes of the sales lag, explores the potential frost risks brought by the La Niña phenomenon, and examines how production declines in Vietnam and Indonesia could impact Brazil’s export performance, helping readers grasp the global coffee supply chain. [more…]

An in-depth exploration of the geographical advantages of Colombia’s Huila region and the unique characteristics of the Geisha coffee beans from Boundary Line Estate. From altitude and variety to the washed processing method, this analysis comprehensively covers its flavor profile and recommended brewing methods. This article compiles practical parameters and details to help you better understand the distinctive charm of these high-altitude washed Geisha beans. [more…]

Have you ever considered that water temperature can be flexibly adjusted to optimize the flavor of your pour over coffee? The "Sauna Pour Over Method," created by 2016 WBC champion Wu Zelin, utilizes a three-stage extraction process at 94°C, 90°C, and 80°C to effectively balance acidity, sweetness, and bitterness. This article will provide a detailed walkthrough of the entire technique—covering equipment preparation, tiered pouring techniques, and final flavor profiles—to help you deeply understand the crucial role of water temperature in coffee extraction. [more…]

Want to create beautiful latte heart patterns at home just like those in coffee shops? This article provides a detailed breakdown of the fundamental techniques for drawing a classic white heart in latte art—from steaming milk, tilting the pitcher, to controlling the flow rate—guiding you step-by-step to master this essential barista skill. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or a coffee enthusiast looking to refine your basics, this practical tutorial will help improve your latte art success rate, along with recommendations for milk and beans to use during practice. [more…]

The Super Natural processing method (Super Natural) has become a hot topic in the specialty coffee scene in recent years. By precisely controlling temperature, humidity, and fermentation conditions, it imparts intense fruity aromas and complex layers to coffee beans. This article delves into the key steps of this technique, compares it with traditional natural processing, and explains how proper roasting and extraction methods can highlight its unique flavors—helping you better understand bean selection and tasting. [more…]

Shanghai's Consumer Council recently investigated the "Mango Yogurt Smoothie" from the popular beverage brand Morui Yogurt and found that despite being marketed as healthy, it harbors high levels of fat and hidden sugars. Even when customers order the "no added sugar" version, sucrose and maltose were still detected, with fat content far exceeding reasonable limits. This article delves into the test data, reveals the controversial aspects of the ingredient composition, and offers practical advice for choosing freshly made beverages. [more…]

The globally renowned coffee group JDE Peet’s recently announced significant leadership changes, with both current Chairman Olivier Goudet and CEO Fabien Simon stepping down. Luc Vandevelde, a 73-year-old seasoned retail industry veteran, will take over as interim CEO on April 1 and is expected to assume the role of Chairman after the May shareholders’ meeting. During this period, the search for a new CEO will also be initiated. This article brings you up to date on these top-level changes. [more…]

Vietnamese Robusta coffee prices have recently soared to record highs, rising nearly 50% year-on-year. This surge is driven by a combination of reduced production, surging demand, and strong exports. However, with new crop seasons in Brazil and Indonesia on the horizon, supply is expected to rebound, potentially leading to a price decline. Additionally, the ongoing Red Sea crisis continues to disrupt shipping, adding uncertainty to trade. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current market situation, potential variables, and future trends to help you stay updated on the latest coffee market movements. [more…]

Panama’s Boquete region, blessed with exceptional geographical conditions, has nurtured numerous internationally renowned specialty coffees. Among them, Emerald Estate stands out as a leader. This article will delve into the microclimatic characteristics of the region, explore how Emerald Estate rose to prominence with its Geisha variety, and provide an in-depth look at the origin, processing method, and flavor profile of its Diamond Mountain series. Practical pour over recommendations and parameters are also included, helping you fully understand this highly popular coffee bean from origin to cup. [more…]

Many caffeine-sensitive individuals are accustomed to relying on decaf coffee to enjoy flavor while avoiding sleep disruption. However, recently, at multiple Starbucks locations, the new line of espresso-based drinks no longer offers decaf espresso options, forcing customers wanting to try the new items to choose only from a set of classic offerings. What’s behind this change? It turns out it’s closely related to the rollout of blonde roast beans and the bean hopper configuration of store espresso machines. This article will take an in-depth look at the reasons behind the changes, which stores still offer decaf versions of the new drinks, and [more…]

Have you ever confused the minimalist black-and-white designs of the chain coffee brands Manner and M Stand? It's all too common to order the wrong brand for delivery, have the rider pick up from the wrong store, or even walk into the wrong café yourself. This article dives into the reasons behind the mix-up and offers practical ways to identify and prevent it, so you'll never again find yourself in the awkward situation of "picking up the wrong drink or scanning the wrong membership code." [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts, when tasting coffee, notice the color and aroma of the beans, but often have only a superficial understanding of the chemical reactions behind them. The Maillard reaction and caramelization reaction are often confused, but they play distinct roles during the coffee roasting process. This article will delve into the principles and stages of these two reactions, as well as how they jointly influence the color, aroma, and flavor of coffee, helping you understand each cup in your hand with greater precision. [more…]

In recent years, the camping style has permeated café décor, with low tables and chairs becoming a common element. While this design creates a relaxed atmosphere, it has sparked debates over practicality: does it affect the experience of customers who stay for long periods? What business strategies lie behind this choice? This article delves into how different table and chair configurations influence customer behavior and offers selection advice. [more…]

The luxury brand Gucci has been making frequent moves in the coffee market in recent years, from free Ancora Rosso coffee trucks on the streets of Beijing and Shanghai to launching limited-time pop-up stores in collaboration with Grid Coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee, and %Arabica. This article analyzes how Gucci is testing the waters of the coffee industry through cross-industry partnerships, and how this experiment — defined by three strict limitations: store location, duration, and product — successfully captured consumer attention. It also explores the strategy behind it... [more…]

Want to master the layers and flavor balance in pour over coffee? This article deeply explores the science behind the three-stage pour over method—from how blooming releases CO₂, the extraction logic of pulse pouring, to how intervals between pours affect flavor and temperature. It provides complete parameters and step-by-step instructions, perfect for coffee enthusiasts looking to refine their pour over skills and guide you through making clean, well-defined pour over coffee. [more…]