Coffee Facts

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

Roots and Rhythm: Cravens Coffee’s Story in Every Bag

Roots and Rhythm: Cravens Coffee’s Story in Every Bag

Let’s talk about coffee packaging that doesn’t just look good—it tells a story. Cravens Coffee in Spokane, Washington, has reimagined its bags to honor its 30-year legacy while embracing modernity. The redesign, crafted with Sally Morrow Creative, is a masterclass in balancing heritage and innovation. Instead of abstract visuals, the new packaging grounds itself in the coffee’s origins, using subtle patterns and warm tones to evoke the farms where beans are grown. The design leans into tone-on-tone illustrations, a quiet rebellion against flashy branding. A repeating pattern of coffee leaves, fruit, and harvesting scenes weaves through the bag, each element…
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CO2 Fermentation Elevates Natural-Process Coffee Scores in Colombia

CO2 Fermentation Elevates Natural-Process Coffee Scores in Colombia

This might just change your routine: A sealed container and a dose of carbon dioxide could be the secret to elevating natural-process coffee to new heights. A Colombian study reveals that CO2-assisted fermentation outperformed traditional methods, pushing natural-process coffees into the specialty tier. Researchers from SENA and Universidad del Valle tested five fermentation techniques on the same coffee lot, comparing open-air and CO2-sealed systems. The results? A 24-hour CO2 treatment scored 86.90 on the SCA’s 100-point scale—nearly 5 points higher than the unfermented control. The study’s brilliance lies in its practicality. While fermentation research often leans on lab-controlled settings, this…
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Espy Cafe Redefines Coffee Culture in Ann Arbor

Espy Cafe Redefines Coffee Culture in Ann Arbor

Consider this your morning briefing: Espy Cafe in Ann Arbor is more than a coffee spot—it’s a masterclass in intentional design and community. Nestled in a repurposed light-industrial space off Huron Street, the cafe blends rustic craftsmanship with global flavors, offering a menu that feels both rooted and adventurous. From trout sandwiches wrapped in Palestinian taboon bread to salads drizzled with pistachio aillade, every dish is a story of sourcing, skill, and surprise. The space itself is a character: handcrafted tables made from Michigan maple and red oak sit beside thrift-store chairs, creating a vibe that’s cozy yet open, inviting…
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Indonesian Coffee Cultivars: The Unsung Heroes of Global Roasts

Indonesian Coffee Cultivars: The Unsung Heroes of Global Roasts

Listen up: When you sip a cup of coffee with notes of earthy spice or citrus zest, you’re likely tasting the work of Indonesian cultivars—varieties that have shaped the global coffee landscape for centuries. The archipelago’s volcanic soil, tropical climate, and centuries of cultivation have birthed unique Arabica and Robusta strains, each with a story etched into their flavor. From the misty highlands of Java to the sun-drenched slopes of Sumatra, these cultivars aren’t just beans; they’re the backbone of a coffee culture that’s both ancient and evolving. The Typica variety, introduced by Dutch colonizers in 1699, laid the groundwork…
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Coffee Grounds Turned into Water Filters: A Circular Economy Breakthrough

Coffee Grounds Turned into Water Filters: A Circular Economy Breakthrough

What if your morning coffee could save a life? New research is proving that spent coffee grounds—often discarded as waste—might just become a powerful tool in the fight against contaminated water. Scientists at Loughborough University and collaborators in India have discovered ways to transform coffee waste into low-cost adsorbents capable of removing heavy metals like lead, copper, and zinc from water. This isn’t just lab science; it’s a real-world solution with measurable results. The breakthrough hinges on turning coffee grounds into biochar, a porous material with a knack for trapping pollutants. In one study, researchers heated used coffee grounds from…
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Precision Over Perfection: The Coffee Scales That Elevate Your Brew

Precision Over Perfection: The Coffee Scales That Elevate Your Brew

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—your morning ritual just got a precision upgrade. The difference between a so-so cup and a masterpiece often hinges on one overlooked tool: the coffee scale. While volume measurements like scoops or tablespoons are convenient, they’re inherently flawed. Grind size, roast level, and even water temperature can skew results. A scale, however, turns guesswork into science. For pour-over and espresso, accuracy isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. A single gram off can alter extraction, bitterness, or clarity. Enter the scales that redefine precision. The Acaia Lunar Smart Espresso Scale is a standout for espresso devotees.…
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How Campbell & Syme Built a Precision Roastery from a London Coffee Shop

How Campbell & Syme Built a Precision Roastery from a London Coffee Shop

Consider this your morning briefing: In 2012, Campbell & Syme started as a cramped London coffee shop with a single roaster. Today, they’re a precision-driven roastery powered by IMF technology, blending engineering with coffee craft. Their journey isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about redefining what it means to roast with control, clarity, and purpose. The shift from a shared space to a dedicated roastery was deliberate. As wholesale and retail demands grew, the coffee shop’s limitations became impossible to ignore. A dedicated facility meant more than physical space—it meant the freedom to prioritize coffee over chaos. “We built workflows around…
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Pittsburgh’s Best Coffee Shops, According to Locals

Pittsburgh’s Best Coffee Shops, According to Locals

Let’s talk about Pittsburgh’s coffee scene—no, it’s not on every traveler’s radar, but it’s a goldmine for locals who know where to look. The city’s 150+ independent cafés might not make national lists, but they’re packed with flavor, community, and quirks that make them worth exploring. From family-run roasters to sustainability-driven spots, Pittsburgh’s coffee culture is a hidden gem. If you’re chasing the best brews, these five spots are the ones locals swear by. Prestogeorge, on Penn Avenue in the Strip District, is a legend. Started in 1958 as a family-owned roastery, it’s now a Pittsburgh staple with over 200…
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Understanding Coffee Roast Levels: From Light to Dark

Understanding Coffee Roast Levels: From Light to Dark

Real talk: If you’re a home roaster trying to nail the perfect roast, you’re not alone. The confusion between light, medium, and dark roasts is a common pitfall, even for seasoned brewers. Take the case of a Kenyan AA batch roasted three ways: light at the first crack, medium at the start of the second, and dark after the second crack. The results? A spectrum of flavors that reveal how roast level transforms a bean’s character. Light roasts, like the first batch, stop just after the first crack. This is where acidity shines, and the bean’s origin shines through. Think…
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How to Roast Coffee That Smells Like New Rubber Tires

How to Roast Coffee That Smells Like New Rubber Tires

Time to spill: Your dad’s request for coffee that smells like new rubber tires isn’t just a quirky ask—it’s a challenge that hinges on balance, timing, and a dash of intuition. Sulawesi washed arabica and Flores dry robusta are your starting point, but the rubbery aroma you’re chasing isn’t a flavor to be forced—it’s a nuance to be coaxed. The key lies in understanding how each bean contributes to the profile and how their roast levels interact. Sulawesi washed arabica brings floral and citrus notes, while Flores dry robusta adds earthiness and a smoky backbone. To hit that rubbery scent,…
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