Whether you're a newcomer just getting into coffee or an enthusiast looking to delve deeper into roasting techniques, this reading list provides you with a clear learning path. Covering everything from basic coffee knowledge, green bean processing, to pour over extraction and roasting science, this article has carefully selected a number of practical and professional books that span from beginner to advanced levels. It will help you systematically build your coffee knowledge system and enhance your overall tasting and brewing skills. [more…]

Considering a career in the professional coffee industry? Is it worth investing your time and money to earn an international certification? This article provides an in-depth comparison of the two major credentials: the SCA Barista Certificate and the Q-Grader Quality Grader certification. We break down the differences in exam levels, cost structures, and target audiences to help you clarify your needs. We also analyze the practical value of these certifications and long-term learning strategies to ensure every bit of your investment pays off. [more…]

On hot summer days, more and more coffee enthusiasts opt to enjoy their coffee through cold brew—not only to avoid the heat of hot beverages, but also to highlight the inherent sweetness and layered flavors of the coffee itself. However, brewing a cup of cold brew with balanced flavor and clean taste involves know-how, from selecting beans and grind size to coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time. This article will take you in-depth into the selection of bean varieties for cold brew, recommended grind fineness, the golden ratio of coffee-to-water, and how steeping time influences the final flavor—so you can easily... [more…]

In recent years, Yunnan coffee beans have repeatedly caught the attention of both domestic and international brands. From Post Coffee to new offerings at KFC, Yunnan-grown beans have become a key selling point. With the purchase prices of both specialty and commercial-grade coffee beans rising steadily, some premium batches have even surpassed the 1,000 RMB per kilogram mark. This article delves into the 2022 market data to analyze why Yunnan small-bean coffees are in such high demand, while also introducing their flavor profiles and the current development of their growing regions. [more…]

Many people join the barista profession out of a love for coffee, only to often face the reality of a monthly salary of around 3000 yuan, tedious job duties, and an unclear path for growth. This article delves into the underlying reasons why barista salaries are generally low, reveals the real working environment and challenges faced by those in small-scale cafés, and offers practical career insights and advice to help aspiring entrants make clearer decisions. [more…]

Did you know? As early as a thousand years ago during the Song Dynasty, ancient Chinese people were painting intricate patterns on the surface of tea, a technique known as "Tea Foaming Art" that could be called the Eastern version of coffee art. This article will delve into the complete process of Song Dynasty whisked tea, explore the historical origins and operational techniques of Tea Foaming Art, and compare the differences between modern adaptations and traditional methods, taking you on a journey to appreciate this remarkable art form that blends tea ceremony with painting. [more…]

In early March 2022, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) responded to the situation in Ukraine by not only publicly condemning Russia’s military actions but also making two significant decisions: suspending Russia’s eligibility to participate in all global-level coffee competitions, and directing all ticket revenue from the upcoming Warsaw World of Coffee expo exclusively to support Ukrainian coffee professionals. This article details SCA’s specific actions, the response from the European industry, and the official stance from the Russian side, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the full situation. [more…]

Want to brew the richly flavored Huakui 8.0 coffee at home? This article provides an in-depth analysis of key extraction parameters, including grind size, water temperature, coffee dosage, and coffee-to-water ratio, and explains in detail the technique of three-stage pouring to help you precisely master this Ethiopian coffee bean with a sun-dried process and multi-layered flavors. From 15 grams of coffee grounds, a water temperature of 91°C, to a fine grind with 80% sieve retention, each step comes with clear instructions — even beginners can easily get started. [more…]

Many beginners find it confusing to choose pour over coffee beans, especially when faced with numerous origins and roast styles. This article starts with basic classifications, analyzing the core differences between espresso beans and single-origin beans, then dives into the flavor profiles of seven major regional budget beans. With practical brewing recommendations, it helps you find flavorful yet approachable everyday beans—perfect for both exploring coffee and daily drinking. [more…]

The specialty coffee market is booming, but gaps in consumer understanding often put baristas in difficult communication situations. This article takes an in-depth look at how professionals can handle all kinds of unusual orders with both expertise and approachability, and shares practical strategies for guiding customers to understand coffee flavors—helping practitioners build better interactions while maintaining service quality. [more…]

Blue Bottle Coffee is accelerating its expansion in mainland China. Following the opening of its first store in Shanghai, its second location will be set up on West Nanjing Road and is currently under renovation. Earlier this year, the brand registered a new company in Beijing, indicating its intention to expand into the North China market. Facing intense competition in the coffee industry, how will Blue Bottle break through with its premium and boutique positioning? This article analyzes its store planning, market strategy, and future challenges. [more…]

Blooming is a crucial step in pour over brewing, yet most discussions focus solely on the expansion of the coffee grounds, overlooking the fact that the coffee dripping from the bottom of the filter can reveal a wealth of key information. This article delves into the phenomena occurring at the base, analyzing why the recommended blooming water volume is twice the coffee dose, whether it’s normal for excess coffee to flow into the server, and how grind size, roast level, and pouring technique affect blooming performance. It also provides reference drip volumes for both dark and light roasted beans under the condition of 15g coffee and 30ml water, along with practical... [more…]

After the pandemic, the tea beverage industry generally raised prices, but Heytea took a counter-trend approach by announcing that it would not increase prices this year and would discontinue products priced above 29 RMB. The standard tea beverage price range was comprehensively adjusted downward to between 15 and 25 RMB. This move quickly led to a surge in orders, with some stores seeing queues exceeding one hour during peak times. This article delves into the market logic behind the price cuts, explores consumer concerns about quality, and reveals the actual measures Heytea has taken to maintain standards, helping readers rationally view this wave of “people-friendly storm.” [more…]

With the rise of the specialty coffee trend, many consumers lament that drinking coffee has become increasingly costly. However, from Qichu Coffee in Guangzhou’s vegetable markets to Honglang Coffee inside Shantou’s rice noodle shops, these humble neighborhood spots offer high-quality brews at reasonable prices, breaking the stereotype that specialty coffee is unaffordable. This article delves into the reasons behind the high prices of specialty coffee and introduces business models that bring coffee back to everyday life and make it more accessible, helping readers understand how to enjoy premium coffee within a reasonable budget. [more…]

In recent years, Starbucks has been actively promoting sustainable operations, with its “Greener Stores” initiative gradually rolling out globally. Following its launch in East and South China, the first certified store in North China has made its debut in Beijing, offering discounts for reusable cups and incentives for bringing your own. This article delves into the eight environmental standards of Greener Stores, the progress of its global expansion, as well as the competitive challenges in local markets—helping readers understand how Starbucks is achieving sustainability goals through store transformation. [more…]

Mastering the segmented pouring technique in pour over coffee is key to improving extraction consistency and enhancing flavor complexity. This article provides an in-depth analysis of when and how to execute the three-stage pour, including water volume and timing. Learn how to control water height and flow rate, while avoiding common issues like channeling or uneven coffee bed distribution. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned brewer, you'll gain practical brewing tips to achieve more balanced and expressive coffee. [more…]

Japan’s Okayama Prefecture successfully cultivated its first batch of domestically grown coffee beans in a greenhouse, with each kilogram priced at up to 1,500 yen (tax included). The pre-sale sold out quickly. This article delves into the technical challenges of greenhouse cultivation, the reasons for the limited yield, and the market positioning of this special batch of coffee beans, helping readers understand the value behind the high price and its future potential. [more…]

Want to get into the coffee industry but don't know where to start? Many consider beginning as a coffee shop apprentice, but is this path really suitable for everyone? This article provides an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of being a coffee apprentice versus taking training courses, explores how to find the right mentor, and shares practical preparations for opening a coffee shop—including cost calculations, return-on-investment evaluations, and market positioning—to help you make smarter decisions about entering the industry. [more…]

The pouring technique in pour-over coffee is often considered an advanced skill, but in reality, simply mastering the size and speed of your pour can significantly alter the extraction efficiency and flavor profile of your coffee. This article delves into the key differences between pouring with a large circle versus a small one—from the thickness of the coffee puck and temperature control to the role of the flow guide—helping you adjust your technique based on the roast level of your beans to achieve a more satisfying cup. [more…]

The opening of Blue Bottle Coffee’s first Shanghai store triggered long queues and a surge in high-priced scalping, reflecting contemporary consumers’ enthusiasm for viral brands. This article delves into how herd behavior and labeling effects drive the check-in craze, examines the gap between wait times, scalper costs, and actual product quality, and offers insights for more rational consumption. [more…]