Coffee Knowledge
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
Coffee Aroma Terms Every Barista Should Know
Learn the essential coffee aroma terms used by specialty baristas, with examples from FrontStreet Coffee’s floral and fruit-forward single origins.
Wilfa SVART Manuell: A Manual Pour-Over Coffee Machine
The Wilfa SVART Manuell is a manual pour-over coffee maker with flow control and temperature settings for hands-on brewing precision.
Why Coffee Grinding Matters More Than Your Brewer
A good grinder impacts coffee more than your machine. Freshly ground beans and the right grind size are key to better extraction.
What Every Barista Learns About Making Great Espresso
A veteran barista shares key insights on dialing in espresso: blend vs SOE, grind, dose, and common pitfalls for better shots.
Historic Coffee Machine Models by Era and Maker
Explore the most iconic espresso machines by decade and manufacturer, from early 1900s patents to modern classic designs.
The Two Main Coffee Species You Should Know
Learn which coffee species dominate the market—Arabica makes up 65% and Robusta 35%—and why they matter to your cup.
What Is Caffeine and Why Is It in Coffee?
Caffeine is a natural compound found in over 60 plants, including coffee. Learn how it works, its effects, and why it’s both helpful and habit-forming.
How to Choose High-Quality Specialty Coffee Beans
Learn how to assess coffee bean freshness, roast quality, and flavor potential through appearance, sound, aroma, and taste. Avoid defects and poor roasts.
How Sugar Affects Your Coffee: Choose the Right Sweetener
Discover how different sugars—white, black, rock, and fruit—affect your coffee’s flavor. Find the best sweetener for your taste.
What Is a Peaberry Coffee Bean? Structure Explained
About 5–10% of coffee cherries produce a single round seed called a peaberry. These smaller, oval beans often have a distinct flavor profile, including brighter acidity.
Ecuador’s Highest Arabica Coffee Plantations
Ecuador’s high-altitude coffee farms, especially those in the Galápagos Islands, have produced some of the world’s most sought-after beans since 1875.
How to Taste Coffee: Understanding Richness and Depth
Learn how richness, cleanliness, and flavor movement define great specialty coffee. Discover the six key elements of tasting coffee like a pro.
How to Cup Coffee Like a Specialty Professional
Learn the standard cupping method used by professionals: 10g coffee, 180ml water at boil, 3-minute steep, then taste and evaluate.
How Filter Cone Grooves Affect Your Pour-Over Brew
Learn why the grooves on your pour-over cone matter—they prevent airlock during bloom, ensuring better extraction. Discover how they work.
How to Choose Fresh Roasted Coffee Beans
Learn what to smell, see, and taste when buying coffee: freshness, roast level, and bean quality matter more than brand.
Espresso Is Made of Just Two Key Elements
Espresso consists of water and crema — the gel-like body is emulsified oils, while crema’s honeycomb traps aromas for flavor release.
Why Coffee Spoons Are Different from Regular Spoons
Coffee spoons are designed for stirring—not drinking. Learn why they’re an essential tool in the cupping and serving ritual.
How Immersion-Style Drip Coffee Works
Immersion-style drip extracts coffee slowly with small streams of water. Learn why pitting the grounds and using multi-hole filters improves results.
How to Avoid Over-Extraction in Pour-Over Coffee
Learn how to prevent over-extracted pour-over coffee by controlling flow rate, water placement, and brewing structure.
How Milk Protein Affects Coffee Foam Formation
Higher-protein milk creates more foam, but fat is key for smooth texture and rich flavor in coffee. Find out what milk works best.