Coffee Culture
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
Essential Coffee Tasting Terms Explained
Learn the precise meanings of 12 key coffee tasting terms like body, aftertaste, sweetness, and complexity to better describe your cup.
How Coffee Came to China and Shaped Its Culture
Explore when and how coffee entered China, from its first appearance in the 1800s to the rise of local cultivation and cafés in the 20th century.
How Coffee Spread Worldwide and Birthed Café Culture
From smuggled seedlings to global cafés: See how coffee traveled the world via theft, trade, and diplomacy—and how café culture took root.
How China, Arabia and Turkey Shaped Coffee’s Rise
From Zheng He’s tea diplomacy to Ottoman coffeehouses, discover how three regions shaped coffee from ritual brew to global staple.
Where Did Coffee Really Come From?
Coffee originated in Ethiopia’s Keffa region, where a goat herder discovered its energizing effects. Learn how it spread to Arabia and evolved.
The World’s 8 Best Coffee Cities Right Now
From Melbourne’s iconic flat whites to Rome’s classic espresso, discover the 8 global cities leading the specialty coffee scene today.
The History of the Belgian Coffee Maker
Learn how the ornate Belgian coffee maker originated in 1840, its royal ties, and how it evolved from elite European court use to a decorative art piece.
The Evolution of Coffee Brewers: From 1685 to Today
From early French heating plates to modern drip brewers, here’s how coffee brewing devices evolved over 300 years with key milestones.
The Shaykh Omar Coffee Origin Story
Learn how exiled Yemeni saint Shaykh Omar discovered coffee after birds inspired him to try red berries in 1258.
The Legend of Kaldi: The First Coffee Discovery
Learn how Ethiopian shepherd Kaldi allegedly discovered coffee in the 6th century after noticing his goats' unusual energy from red berries.
What Is Mocha Coffee? Origins, Types & How It’s Made
Mocha coffee can mean Ethiopian beans, a moka pot brew, or a sweet chocolatey espresso drink. Here’s what each version really is.
The Origins of Italian Coffee Bar Culture
Discover why Italians stand while drinking coffee and how a 19th-century Viennese legend shaped modern café habits.
A Brief History of Coffee Drinking in China
Explore how China’s coffee tastes evolved over 30 years—from deep-roast ‘Blue Mountain’ fans to modern light-roast and espresso lovers.
How Coffee Is Made: Brewing Explained for Beginners
Why coffee can’t just be boiled like tea — and how brewing really works. Learn about roasting, grinding, extraction, and why one brew is enough.
What Is Fair Trade Coffee and Why It Matters
Learn how fair trade coffee helps farmers earn fair wages and what labels like 'Fairtrade' really mean for your cup.
How Coffee Spread Across the World
From Ethiopia to global trade routes, discover how coffee traveled worldwide, key dates, and how it became a global commodity.
How 8 Countries Shaped Global Coffee Culture
From London’s 17th-century coffeehouses to Japan’s canned coffee, discover how eight nations uniquely influenced modern coffee habits and traditions.
How Coffee Latte Art Evolved From Trick to Technique
Latte art began as a dazzling performance skill in the West. Over decades, it became a key part of espresso-based drinks, evolving from visuals to taste through milk texture and pouring finesse.
The Origins of the Royal Belgian Coffee Maker
Learn how the 19th-century Belgian coffee maker evolved from a royal invention to a prized decorative brewer used by European aristocrats.
Why Specialty Coffee Should Return to Everyday Life
A coffee shop owner reflects on why great coffee must be delicious, affordable, and meaningful—not just mysterious or elite.