Coffee Facts

Expert guides on coffee brewing, roasting, beans, and equipment. Master your coffee journey with in-depth articles.

East Asia is Redefining Barista Excellence

East Asia is Redefining Barista Excellence

Time to spill: East Asia isn’t just brewing coffee—it’s redefining what it means to be a barista. From Shanghai’s 9,000+ cafés to Taiwan’s meticulous rituals, the region is setting global standards for skill, service, and innovation. Coffee, once a niche curiosity in tea-centric cultures, now thrives here thanks to brands like Luckin Coffee and Starbucks, which sparked a seismic shift in consumer habits. The result? A market growing three times faster than the global average, driven by a middle class eager to pay for quality and experience. At the heart of this transformation is a relentless focus on hospitality. East…
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Coffee’s New Raleigh Roastery Triples Production Capacity

Coffee’s New Raleigh Roastery Triples Production Capacity

Get ready to sip on this: 321 Coffee’s new 5,000-square-foot roastery in Raleigh isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about redefining what it means to brew inclusivity into every bean. The company, which began as a farmers market stand in 2017, now roasts over 100,000 pounds of coffee annually, with plans to open a sixth location by year’s end. This expansion isn’t just about meeting demand; it’s a statement. By tripling production capacity, 321 Coffee is proving that purpose-driven growth can outpace even the most ambitious business plans. The new facility, anchored by a Loring S35 roaster alongside its existing Loring…
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Soil, Shade, and Climate: The Hidden Drivers of Ethiopian Arabica Quality

Soil, Shade, and Climate: The Hidden Drivers of Ethiopian Arabica Quality

Time to spill: A decade of data from Ethiopia’s Gedeo Zone reveals coffee quality isn’t about altitude alone. Researchers found that soil health, microclimates, and farming practices shape arabica’s flavor and yield more than any single factor. The study, published in Beverage Plant Research, dismantles the myth of a one-size-fits-all approach, offering a blueprint for resilience in a warming world. The Gedeo Zone’s 18 kebeles, analyzed through 2013-2022 farm records and GIS tools, exposed a complex web of variables. Soil cation exchange capacity—how well soil retains nutrients—emerged as the top contributor to variation, followed by evapotranspiration and shade trees. Nitrogen,…
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Naysayer Coffee Expands to North Napa with a Bold New Approach

Naysayer Coffee Expands to North Napa with a Bold New Approach

Real talk: Naysayer Coffee isn’t just expanding—it’s redefining what a neighborhood café can be. The brand’s second location in north Napa, California, opened in January, proving that the region’s coffee culture is thriving beyond its usual haunts. This isn’t just another espresso bar; it’s a deliberate move to anchor itself in the rhythms of daily life, not just the glitz of tourist traps. The shop’s design, with its sunlit geometric murals and sage-green tile, feels like a quiet rebellion against the expected. It’s a space that whispers, “This is where people live,” not where they come to ogle over wine.…
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The Good Food Awards Coffee Finalists: A Spotlight on U.S. Roasters

The Good Food Awards Coffee Finalists: A Spotlight on U.S. Roasters

Real talk: The 2026 Good Food Awards have just unveiled a list of U.S. roasters pushing coffee boundaries. From California’s coastal hills to Oregon’s misty valleys, 20 roasters made the cut, showcasing single-origin beans and experimental processing techniques that redefine what coffee can be. This isn’t just about flavor—it’s about transparency, sustainability, and the art of storytelling through each sip. The finalists lean heavily into Ethiopia and Colombia, with entries like Gesha, Pink Bourbon, and SL-28 dominating the roster. These beans aren’t just celebrated for their complexity—they’re gateways to terroir, with roasters emphasizing methods like thermal shock, carbonic maceration, and…
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The Best Espresso Beans for a Perfect Shot, According to a Coffee Expert

The Best Espresso Beans for a Perfect Shot, According to a Coffee Expert

This is worth savoring: The best espresso beans aren’t just about darkness—they’re about balance, complexity, and the right roast for your palate. Espresso isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. While darker roasts dominate traditional shots, modern roasters are redefining the category with lighter, more nuanced profiles. The key lies in understanding how roast level, origin, and freshness shape the final cup. Espresso brewing relies on pressure to extract intense flavors, but not all beans are built for this method. Dark roasts often deliver bold, bitter notes, but they can lack the brightness and depth that lighter roasts provide. Medium and light roasts,…
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The Best Coffee Subscriptions for Fresh, Flavorful Beans

The Best Coffee Subscriptions for Fresh, Flavorful Beans

This is worth savoring: coffee subscriptions are the ultimate shortcut to fresh, flavorful beans. If you’ve ever stared at an empty coffee jar at 8 a.m., you know how quickly a caffeine drought can derail your day. Subscriptions solve that by delivering freshly roasted beans to your door—no grocery runs, no last-minute panic. But with so many options, how do you pick? The best subscriptions balance convenience, quality, and the thrill of discovery. Freshness is non-negotiable. Most supermarket beans sit on shelves for weeks, their flavor muted by age. Subscriptions, however, ship within days of roasting, locking in brightness and…
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The Keurig K-Cups That Deliver Real Coffee, Not Just Steam

The Keurig K-Cups That Deliver Real Coffee, Not Just Steam

Consider this your morning briefing: Keurig K-Cups aren’t just disposable coffee capsules—they’re a curated battleground for flavor, and the winners are far more approachable than you’d expect. After testing 40 options, I’ve narrowed down the five that outshine the rest, proving that quality pods don’t always demand a premium price. The lesson? Great coffee is out there, even if it’s hiding in plain sight. McCafé Premium Roast steals the spotlight with its medium-toasted, full-bodied richness. It’s smooth, nutty, and surprisingly complex for a budget-friendly option. At 46 cents per pod, it’s a steal, especially if you crave a coffee that…
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The Ultimate Espresso Bean Guide for Every Coffee Lover

The Ultimate Espresso Bean Guide for Every Coffee Lover

Real talk: If you’ve ever wondered why your espresso feels like a missed shot, you’re not alone. The quality of your beans is the unsung hero of every perfect sip. Over the past three months, I’ve tested a dozen espresso blends—from budget-friendly staples to high-end gourmet picks—to uncover what makes a shot truly stand out. The results? It’s not just about roast or price—it’s about how the beans interact with your machine, your palate, and your morning routine. Lavazza is the Goldilocks of espresso. If you crave a balanced, sweet bean that’s not too dark or bitter, this is your…
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Where to Find Gourmet Coffee Without Breaking the Bank

Where to Find Gourmet Coffee Without Breaking the Bank

Get ready to sip on this: High-quality coffee doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. While gourmet beans often command premium prices, savvy shoppers can unlock exceptional flavors without emptying their wallets. The secret lies in places that blend affordability with care—where traceable beans, small-batch roasting, and sustainable practices meet budget-friendly deals. From dollar stores to wholesale clubs, here’s how to satisfy your coffee cravings without compromising on quality. Dollar Tree and Ocean State Job Lot are hidden gems for budget-conscious connoisseurs. At Dollar Tree, brands like Harry & David and Victor Allen offer 100% Arabica beans roasted…
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