The latest revision of the international Fair Trade coffee certification standards is set to take effect in 2026. Not only will it apply to all Fair Trade certified coffee, but it will also proactively align with the stringent requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This update strengthens producer monitoring, introduces satellite tracking technology, and expands coverage to include 870,000 coffee farmers and 1.1 million hectares of planting areas globally. Learn how these new rules ensure a sustainable coffee supply chain and what consumers should pay attention to when making purchasing decisions in the future. [more…]

Although Tanzanian coffee is often overlooked, it is renowned for its unique flavor profile and high quality. The high altitude and volcanic soil of the Kilimanjaro region produce a rich coffee with hints of red wine. This article delves into the characteristics of the Typica variety, the washed processing method, and provides professional-level brewing parameters and flavor descriptions — a comprehensive guide to understanding Tanzania's specialty coffee. [more…]

Incorporating osmanthus into coffee not only adds a unique floral aroma but also extends the autumn ambiance. This article meticulously documents the real-world testing of osmanthus paired with various brewing methods such as espresso, latte, Dirty, and pour over. It includes the impact of puck placement on flavor, sugar syrup techniques, the refreshing performance of iced drinks, and pour over parameter suggestions. It provides practical parameters and step-by-step analysis, making it a great reference for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with creative brews at home. [more…]

When you need to serve hand drip coffee to multiple friends and family at a gathering, and increase the coffee dose from the usual 15g to 30g, do you often encounter problems such as overly long extraction time or off-flavors emerging in the later stages? This article delves into the challenges of brewing with a large coffee dose, analyzing how different types of filter baskets, the blooming phase, and pouring techniques affect overall extraction. It also provides practical adjustment suggestions for Filter Baskets 01 and 02, so that you can consistently brew well-balanced coffee even when serving multiple people. [more…]

In recent years, Combo coffee has become a hot topic among coffee enthusiasts, but this method of brewing one bean for two or even more drinks is not something that can be easily achieved by just splitting the flow. This article delves into the origins of Combo, its drinking concept, operational challenges, and common misconceptions. It also shares a professional perspective on why some shops still choose not to offer this drink, helping you better understand the expertise behind it. [more…]

In recent years, an increasing number of young people returning to their rural hometowns have integrated urban coffee culture into village life. During the Spring Festival, a creative trend has emerged—brewing coffee using a moka pot over charcoal. From fire tongs and steamer racks to warming stoves, all sorts of unexpectedly alternative tools have made their debut, and even pour over equipment has been reimagined. This article details the practical steps, flavor characteristics of these unconventional brewing methods, and offers key safety reminders to help enthusiasts enjoy the novelty while managing both flavor and risk. [more…]

In recent years, social media platforms have seen a wave of creative drink trends, ranging from simple fruit pairings to unusual ice cube designs, attracting widespread discussion among netizens. Among them, "lollipop ice water" has become a hot topic due to its easy preparation method and polarized reviews. Some have even gotten creative, trying to make espresso into lollipop ice cubes to create what they call a "super strong ice cube latte." This article will delve into the inspiration behind these creative drinks, real feedback from netizens, and provide extended ideas for applying coffee ice cubes, helping readers... [more…]

In January 2024, Brazil’s coffee exports reached their highest level for the same period on record, with total shipments surpassing 3.96 million bags, driving a significant increase in foreign exchange earnings. However, behind these impressive figures lie challenges such as severe congestion at the Port of Santos and fluctuations in Robusta production, which could pose risks to future exports. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of Brazil’s coffee exports, market price trends, and the potential impact of logistical bottlenecks on the global supply chain. [more…]

Want to understand the essence of premium Brazilian coffee? This article takes you deep into the high-altitude Mogiana region of São Paulo State to explore the Yellow Bourbon coffee beans produced by Queen’s Estate. From Brazil’s coffee-growing environment and the advantages of its soil and climate, to the varietal characteristics of Yellow Bourbon and its honey semi-washed processing method — we break down step by step how this honey-sweet and full-bodied coffee makes its journey from origin to your cup. We also provide practical pour over recommendations and flavor profiles, making it an essential beginner’s guide for coffee enthusiasts. [more…]

When the Dragon Year’s New Year meets cafés, traditional spring couplets transform into creative canvases that showcase the charm of coffee. This article takes you on a tour of several independent cafés to admire how they incorporate elements of classic drinks like lattes and Americanos into their couplet creations. From “Coffee has bitterness and sweetness” to “Iced Americano, absolutely fantastic,” each couplet reflects the baristas’ ingenuity and heartfelt wishes. Beyond admiring these creatively crafted spring couplets, you’ll also gain insight into how coffee culture and traditional festivities blend seamlessly. [more…]

During the Spring Festival, the operational conditions of Luckin Coffee stores exhibited a polarized phenomenon: some outlets were overwhelmed with orders and running non-stop, leaving staff extremely busy; whereas others experienced low foot traffic, resulting in notably idle employees who even had the leisure to paint dragon-themed designs on packaging. This stark contrast not only highlights the varying consumer demands across regions but also reflects how coffee culture is gradually integrating into festive and hometown life. [more…]

Cortado, as a niche Italian-style milk coffee originating from Spain, showcases intense coffee flavors with a simple ratio, and is often confused with Piccolo Latte. This article delves into the differences between the two, introducing the history of Cortado, its standard recipe, regional variations, as well as a detailed comparison with Piccolo Latte in terms of ratio, taste, and appearance—helping you better understand this uniquely flavored coffee beverage. [more…]

Global temperatures have risen beyond the pre-industrial level of 1.5°C for the first time, posing unprecedented survival challenges for Arabica coffee beans that rely on precise climate conditions. From shifting growing regions and outbreaks of pests and diseases to supply chain disruptions, climate change is reshaping the entire coffee industry landscape. This article delves into the impact of rising temperatures on coffee flavor, reveals how farmers are seeking solutions through variety improvement and adjusted cultivation strategies, and explores the rise of Robusta coffee in the face of the climate crisis. [more…]

Emerald Estate is renowned for its Geisha, but its Jade Mountain brand also demonstrates extraordinary flavor potential. This article delves into the growing environment, planted varieties, and roasting characteristics of Jade Mountain, helping you understand how this premium coffee bean, ideal for pour over, presents unique flavor profiles under different processing methods. It also offers practical extraction suggestions to assist you in selecting high-altitude Panamanian beans that suit your personal taste. [more…]

When a well-known chain brand files a trademark lawsuit against an independent coffee shop, how can small businesses protect themselves? Melbourne’s long-standing coffee and burger shop Mano’s was sued by burger giant Grill’d over its red-and-white logo, ultimately forced to change its brand identity used for many years. This lawsuit not only reveals the gray area in determining trademark similarity but also provides practical insights for independent operators on brand protection. [more…]

Starbucks’ limited-edition cocoa raspberry mocha has sparked heated discussion after its launch, with many consumers noting that its flavor resembles traditional Chinese medicine — a stark contrast to its pink hue and overly sweet appearance. This article delves into the beverage’s formulation, real consumer reviews, and explores the reasons behind Starbucks’ recent string of new product launches that have frequently missed the mark. It aims to help coffee enthusiasts understand key elements of flavor pairing and current market trends. [more…]

Global Robusta coffee prices have hit their highest level in 28 years. Vietnam, as a major producing country, is seeing farmers demand renegotiation of previously low-price contracts due to poor harvests and rising transportation costs. This supply crunch not only drives up market prices but may also impact consumers' purchasing choices and coffee experience. This article takes you through the reasons behind the spike, market changes, and potential future effects. [more…]

Although major South American coffee-producing countries such as Brazil and Colombia are expected to see a recovery in output at the beginning of 2024, global coffee market prices remain high, with Robusta varieties even hitting a 30-year high. What factors continue to drive up coffee prices? This article provides an in-depth analysis of how supply chain bottlenecks, abnormal weather, and geopolitical tensions intertwine to impact the market, helping you grasp the latest market trends and regional developments. [more…]

Don’t have a grinder at home but still want to brew coffee? This article conducts a practical test using a traditional mortar and pestle to manually grind washed Geisha coffee beans. The full extraction process is carried out with 18g of coffee beans, a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio, and water at 93°C. It analyzes the impact of ground coffee particle size and pouring rhythm on flavor, and examines common issues with hand grinding such as fine particle clogging and uneven extraction. Practical tips and reference data are provided to help coffee enthusiasts explore the joy of pour over brewing even without professional equipment. [more…]

Do you often find yourself thinking a pour over coffee is "delicious" but struggle to articulate exactly why? Mastering the five key tasting dimensions—aroma, taste, flavor, body, and aftertaste—can help you describe the unique characteristics of each cup of coffee more professionally. This article will guide you step-by-step in understanding these elements and using the flavor wheel to assist identification, elevating you from a coffee novice to a connoisseur capable of expressing flavors with nuance. [more…]