Coffee Culture
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
How British Coffeehouses Helped Invent Modern Business
Early UK coffeehouses sparked debate, networking, and commerce—some even became insurers like Lloyd’s. Learn how a penny got you knowledge, and two, a coffee.
How London’s Stock Exchange Grew From a Coffeehouse
Learn how 17th-century London coffeehouses—including Jonathan’s—became the foundations of both Lloyd’s of London and the London Stock Exchange.
Why Britain Embraced Coffee Before France
Britain adopted coffee earlier than France—by the 1630s. The first UK coffeehouse opened in Oxford in 1650, long before Paris caught on.
How the Dutch Became Early Coffee Traders and Planters
The Netherlands was the first Western nation to trade and cultivate coffee, importing beans from Yemen by 1640 and pioneering overseas cultivation.
How 17th Century Europe Kickstarted Global Coffee Demand
Europe’s coffee obsession began in the 17th century with Yemeni imports. By the 18th century, soaring demand outstripped supply, reshaping global production.
How Ethiopia’s Wild Coffee Led to Global Trade
Learn how Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, transitioned from wild forests to global exports, and how a French poet turned coffee trader in Harar.
Why Parisian Cafés Matter to French Coffee Culture
French coffee culture centers on cafés—more than just drinks, they’re social hubs. Here’s why locals love them and what visitors miss.
Vienna’s Coffee Culture: What Makes It Special?
Learn how Vienna’s 17th-century coffee legacy shaped its iconic café scene and beloved Melange blend, still a city staple today.
What Makes Swiss Coffee Unique in Europe
Discover the secrets behind Switzerland’s iconic coffee culture, including its balanced ratios, specialized machines, and premium ingredients.
How 17th-Century European Coffeehouses Became Early Info Hubs
Before the internet, European coffeehouses were where people traded news, debated politics, and sparked revolutions—here’s how they shaped modern communication.
Serbian Coffee Culture and Traditional Brewing Methods
Discover Serbia’s deep-rooted coffee traditions, from Turkish-style brewing to modern roasting, and learn why coffee is central to Serbian social life.
Ancient Arabian Coffee Traditions in Specialty Coffee
Learn how traditional Arabian coffee culture shaped modern specialty coffee, from etiquette to early brewing roots.
Famous Figures and Their Coffee Stories
Explore how historical icons like Napoleon, Bach, and mathematicians were shaped by their coffee habits and café culture.
The History of Coffee in Japan and How It Became a Specialty Culture
Learn how coffee reached Japan in the 1600s, why it struggled at first, and how it grew into a beloved national drink through literary salons and affordable cafés.
How Nordic Countries Drink Coffee: A Rational Tradition
Nordic and Central European coffee drinkers prefer balanced, medium-strength brews, often served black or with milk—rarely sweetened or overly strong.
The Hidden Coffee Empire of Hungary
Explore Hungary’s deep-rooted coffee culture, from 19th-century literary cafés to imperial cafés like New York and Gerbeaud still serving today.
How Nordic and Central European Coffee Culture Differs
Discover how Nordic and Central European coffee traditions favor moderation, with clear distinctions between black coffee and milk options.
How France Made Coffee a Cultural Ritual
Discover why the French obsession with coffee isn’t about flavor—but ambiance, routine, and slow enjoyment.
The Long History of European Coffee Culture
Discover how Europe embraced coffee from the Middle East, from early bans to cultural landmarks like Vienna’s coffee houses and Italy’s espresso rituals.
How to Store Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans Properly
Newly roasted coffee beans need time to degas. Learn the best way to store them to preserve freshness and flavor for up to 10 days.