Coffee Culture
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
The 1600s Coffee Shop Gender Wars That Made History
In 17th-century London, men flocked to coffeehouses while women were banned—sparking a hilarious printed battle over coffee’s virtues (or vices).
Why the UK Embraced Coffee Before France
The UK started drinking coffee in 1637—decades before France. Discover how Oxford’s first coffeehouse birthed the Royal Society.
How Coffee Production Surges Crashed Prices in the 1700s
Colonial coffee plantations drove prices down drastically by the 1700s, ending Yemen’s monopoly and making coffee affordable worldwide.
The Controversy Over the Dutch 'Mother Coffee Tree'
Two rival trees claim to be the original Dutch 'mother coffee tree'—both Typica, both pivotal to global coffee. Here’s the real story.
How the Dutch Built the First Global Coffee Trade
Dutch traders were the first Europeans to profit from coffee, smuggling trees from Yemen and cultivating it in Java. Here’s how they dominated early coffee commerce.
How 17th-Century Europe Sparked Global Coffee Demand
European coffee demand began in the 17th century with imports from Yemen. By the 18th century, consumption outpaced Yemen’s output, shifting global production.
How 17th-Century Europe Sparked Global Coffee Demand
European coffee demand began in the 17th century with imports from Yemen. By the 18th century, global cultivation shifted from Yemen to colonies in Asia and the Americas.
How Ethiopia Fought Starbucks Over Coffee Names
Ethiopia battled Starbucks over the use of Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, and Harar, demanding removal of their trademarked names to protect farmers' rights.
Ethiopia Renames Poet Rimbaud’s Home 'Rainbow House'
Ethiopia preserves the eight-year home of poet Arthur Rimbaud in Harar as a museum called 'Rainbow House' to honor his legacy.
Arthur Rimbaud's Forgotten Coffee Venture in Ethiopia
Why did 19th-century French poet Arthur Rimbaud leave literature to trade Ethiopian coffee in Harar? Discover the surprising story behind the literary-turned-coffee merchant.
Coffee Is Just a Simple, Everyday Drink
Coffee doesn’t have to be intimidating—this book shows how to enjoy it simply at home, with no pretense. Learn what makes a great cup and how to brew it yourself.
How Paris Cafés Shaped Global Coffee Culture
Explore Paris’s historic cafés like Café de Flore, where literary greats sipped coffee and shaped ideas. Discover the city’s enduring coffee legacy.
How Office Coffee Culture Is Evolving in China
Office workers have diverse drink preferences. Find out how companies like Mars Drinks meet varied tastes and bring employees back from cafés.
Argentina’s Historic Coffee Shops and Their Cultural Legacy
Explore how Buenos Aires’ 3,250 cafés became cultural landmarks, from literary cafés like Café Tortoni to tango halls turned cafés like Club Glória.
How Turkish Coffee Divination Really Works
Learn how to read coffee grounds after drinking Greek or Turkish coffee, including the steps, symbols, and cultural roots of this ancient practice.
The Unrestricted Culture of American Coffee
Americans drink a third of the world’s coffee, often black and mild—learn how drip machines and personal taste shape their unique coffee habits.
How Ruth Kasznik Became the 'Queen of Good Coffee Beans'
Discover how Ruth Kasznik, the 'Queen of Good Coffee Beans,' became a specialty coffee pioneer in midlife and helped shape the second wave.
How Central Europeans Drink Coffee: Calm and Balanced
Central and Northern Europeans prefer moderate, balanced coffee—mostly medium-strength pour-overs or drip, with clear distinctions between black and milky options.
The Origins and Cultural History of Coffee
Explore the true story behind coffee’s origins, from Ethiopian shepherds to global cafes — including legends, timelines, and cultural shifts.
How Americans Brew Coffee: Drip Machines and Flat-Bottom Filters
Americans traditionally brew coffee using drip machines or flat-bottom filters, producing a mild cup often customized with milk and sugar.