Kenyan black tea has secured its position as the world’s top exporter thanks to its stable production capacity and premium flavor. From the planting of the first tea bushes in Limuru in 1903 to today’s vast tea plantations sprawling across the highlands of the Rift Valley, what flavor secrets lie within this century-long tea industry history? This article will take you on a journey through core producing regions such as Nandi Hills, Kericho, and Limuru, offering an in-depth analysis of how CTC processing and high-altitude cultivation shape the bold and rich characteristics of Kenyan black tea, along with practical travel and tasting recommendations. [more…]

Starbucks Japan announced that starting April 18, 2022, it will offer glass cups for in-store cold drinks at 106 locations as part of its goal to reduce plastic waste by 50% by 2030. This move follows similar eco-friendly measures implemented at stores in the United States and South Korea, but consumers still have concerns about the hygiene and convenience of glass cups. This article takes an in-depth look at Starbucks Japan’s glass cup policy, its actual specifications, and the sustainability challenges behind it. [more…]

Have you ever wondered when you see a bag of coffee beans labeled “Huakui from Brazil”? This article delves into the authentic origin of Huakui coffee beans, common packaging misconceptions, and how to identify genuine Huakui based on origin, variety, and processing method. From the natural-processed beans of Ethiopia’s Guji Hambela region to the often-confused differences between Typica and Ethiopian heirloom varieties, this guide helps you accurately grasp the core characteristics of Huakui and avoid being misled by incorrect information. [more…]

Although Mandheling coffee is widely known, the origin of its name is steeped in historical anecdotes. This article delves into how the term "Mandheling" came about due to a linguistic misunderstanding, introduces the rigorous selection process of Indonesia's Sumatran Golden Mandheling, and provides professional pour over recommendations and step extraction techniques to help you better understand the unique charm and brewing essentials of this classic dark roast bean. [more…]

On hot summer days, iced coffee becomes the go-to choice for many to stay refreshed. But do you really understand the differences among the three common iced coffee brewing methods—ice drip, cold brew, and cold steep? This article will delve into their brewing principles, flavor characteristics, and suitable coffee bean choices, and provide detailed cold brew parameters to help you easily brew elegant-tasting iced coffee at home. [more…]

GuMing, a well-known tea beverage brand, was fined 11.61 million yuan for evading taxes, sparking widespread discussion among consumers. This article delves into the full details of the incident, including specifics of the fine, consumer reactions, and the impact on the brand’s image. It also explores the importance of corporate compliance management. Through this case, readers can understand the critical role of tax compliance in the long-term development of a brand. [more…]

Exploring the rise of prison-themed cafés across Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia, and how they help incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society through vocational training while offering unique experiences to consumers. From innovative programs initiated by Thailand’s Ministry of Justice to follow-up practices in Malaysia and Laos, these spaces are not just beverage shops but experimental arenas for social inclusion. [more…]

Many beginners who are just starting to try pour over coffee often wonder why it’s necessary to pour in a circular motion rather than directly in the center. This seemingly simple action actually serves the dual purpose of improving extraction efficiency and stabilizing the water flow. This article will delve into the principles of extraction, analyze the advantages of circular pouring in detail, and provide practical pour over pouring techniques to help beginners avoid common mistakes and achieve more even flavor extraction. [more…]

Uncertain about the weather forecast and whether to bring an umbrella? Try this small experiment originating from the UK: brew a cup of hot Americano, drop in a sugar cube without stirring, and observe where the bubbles gather — you can preliminarily determine whether the weather will clear up or rain within the next hour. This method involves the principles of coffee crema’s surface tension and atmospheric pressure changes. It’s simple to perform and offers some reference value, making it suitable for daily observation by pour over coffee enthusiasts. [more…]

The period around Qingming Festival is the golden time for Longjing tea picking, drawing many visitors to the tea plantations in Longwu Town, Xihu District, Hangzhou. During this time, a mobile coffee cart rolls into the tea fields, blending camping-style coffee with the tea-picking scenery to create a unique experience. This article will take you through this new spring activity, explore the reasons behind it, and share related knowledge about the Longjing tea picking season. [more…]

Coffee has long transcended being just a pick-me-up beverage, becoming an indispensable part of many adults’ daily lives. This article delves into how coffee has evolved from a workplace stimulant into a medium for both social interaction and solitude. It explores the flavor journey from instant coffee to pour over coffee, and shares practical coffee tasting tips to help readers understand the cultural shift and sensory experience behind this beloved drink. [more…]

Luckin Coffee’s 2021 financial report shows that its total annual net revenue approached 8 billion RMB, with the number of stores surpassing that of Starbucks China. This article delves into how Luckin is gradually approaching a profit inflection point through a dual strategy of company-operated and franchised stores, market expansion in lower-tier cities, and delivery cost optimization, while also exploring its future market layout and challenges. [more…]

Oriental Beauty Tea, also known as Baihao Oolong or Five-Colored Tea, is one of Taiwan’s most iconic heavily fermented oolong teas. Its unique honeyed fruity aroma originates from the nibbling of tender buds by the tea green leafhopper, followed by a refined heavy roasting process. This article not only delves into the legends behind this tea and its quality characteristics but also provides detailed practical tips for both cold and hot brewing, helping readers master the optimal methods for extracting its finest flavors. [more…]

In high-humidity environments during the returning south moisture season, espresso extraction often becomes unstable, affecting coffee flavor and consistency. This article delves into how humidity interferes with the extraction process, offering three practical strategies—from moisture-proof storage and solving clumping issues to precise parameter adjustments—to help baristas consistently pull well-balanced shots even in damp weather. [more…]

Recently, a consumer reported finding a large number of ants in a coffee order delivered via a food delivery platform, sparking concerns about cleanliness and hygiene management during beverage preparation and delivery. The business explained that the rider had picked up the wrong order, but is this explanation credible? How should food safety for delivered coffee be ensured? This article will outline the incident, analyze possible causes, and offer practical advice to help readers avoid similar issues. [more…]

Office workers aiming to stay energetic throughout the day often have to choose between coffee and tea. But do you know which beverage is best consumed at what time for optimal alertness? According to a survey conducted among respondents in the United States, coffee significantly enhances mental alertness in the morning, while tea is more effective at helping maintain vitality in the afternoon. This article delves into the mechanism of caffeine, analyzes the suitability of these two beverages at different times of the day, and offers practical pairing suggestions to help you find your own optimal strategy for staying energized. [more…]

A netizen in Shanghai set up a glamping-style coffee corner at a bus stop, accompanied by vinyl record playback, sparking heated online discussions. From an elegant lifestyle attitude to accusations of pretentiousness, this article traces the full story of the incident, analyzes the public’s diverse views on the ‘coffee + camping’ combination, and explores the creative ideas of coffee enthusiasts during a special period along with societal feedback. [more…]

When grinding coffee beans, you often see yellowish-white fragments mixed in the grounds. These are actually the silver skin, the outermost layer of the raw coffee bean. This article delves into the origin of silver skin, the differences in its residue caused by various processing methods, and through practical pour over tests, helps you understand whether silver skin truly affects coffee flavor—assisting you in gaining a deeper insight into brewing details. [more…]

Ice drip pour over is actually a "rapid cooling pour over" that uses ice to quickly lower the temperature, which has a completely different extraction logic compared to regular hot pour over. If you directly apply hot brew parameters, it often leads to flavor loss and a flat taste. This article will delve into how to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, and water temperature, and provides a practical 1:10:5 formula, along with tips on segmented pouring techniques and filter dripper selection, to help you make a rich and layered ice drip pour over coffee. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts focus on selecting equipment and beans but often overlook the profound impact of water quality on extraction flavor. Different TDS values and the ratio of calcium and magnesium ions in water can significantly alter the taste and aroma of coffee. This article will delve into how water quality affects extraction, covering TDS standards, the drawbacks of tap water and purified water, and practical bottled water selection tips to help you find the best water solution for your pour over coffee. [more…]