The Reading Room

      Last week, we talked about how coffee is traded on the commodities market, and how trading affects the price you pay for your coffee. In this post, we'll talk about the difference between commodity coffee and specialty...

      Over the past few weeks, we've talked a lot about iced coffee. It is, after all, summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. Iced coffee seems like a natural way to help you cool down on a hot...

Coffee prices hit a 50-year high in 2025. Here is why they keep rising and what it means for your morning cup.

Most coffee ice cream is made with weak, generic coffee. This egg-free version uses whole-bean infusion for a bold, true coffee flavor that holds up against rich cream. No custard, no tempering.

Nitro cold brew is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas under pressure. The result is a creamy, slightly sweet cold coffee with a cascading pour and a head of dense foam. Here is how it works and how to make it at home.

An affogato is a double shot of espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Two ingredients, five minutes, and one of the best coffee desserts in existence. Here is how to make it right.

The World Barista Championship is the most prestigious coffee competition on earth. Here is how it works and why it matters to every coffee drinker.

        Affogato al Caffe Recipe by: Deb Powers Affogato al caffe --- less formally known as affogato -- translates as "drowned in coffee," and that's exactly what it is: a scoop of ice cream (or more properly,...

      Break out the grill this weekend for a Father's Day cookout featuring these deliciously savory burgers. The richness of freshly ground coffee (we suggest an Indonesian coffee with beef, but a juicy Guatemalan or a buttery Rwandan...

The right coffee to water ratio depends on your brew method. Here are the exact numbers for drip, pour over, French press, cold brew, and espresso.

      Headlines about the effects of climate change on coffee tend to elicit more snickers than expressions of genuine concern. After all, the refrain of "Oh, noes, the coffee is suffering!" really does sound like a poster child...

Single origin vs blend coffee: what each means, how they taste different, when to choose which, and the best Blackout Coffee options in both categories.

Build a coffee morning routine producing a great cup every day. Step-by-step from water prep to brewing, with timing for busy and slow mornings.

Espresso, latte, cappuccino, macchiato -- they're pretty standard fare in most U.S. specialty coffee shops, but they're just the crema on the espresso, to coin a phrase. If you're ready to expand your espresso repertoire, check out these 10 lesser-known...

      Are you ready to hear one more good thing about your favorite morning wake-me-up? A new study from Cornell University suggests that drinking as little as one cup of coffee a day may help preserve your eyesight...

The US Coffee Championships run five separate national competitions each year. Here is how each one works, what skills it tests, and how winners earn a shot at the world stage.

Coffee Granita Recipe from: Deb Powers With Memorial Day coming up, we thought it might be fun to break out a classic recipe for this adult answer to the Popsicle. Coffee Granita is lighter and more refreshing than ice cream,...

The 8 pieces of essential coffee gear every home brewer needs. From grinders and scales to kettles and storage, build your setup for under $150.

The science behind coffee and food pairing. Why certain combinations work, how shared flavor compounds create harmony, and rules for matching coffee to any meal.

Your palate is trainable. Anyone can learn to detect the tasting notes on a coffee bag. Here are six practical exercises to taste more in every cup and make the SCA Flavor Wheel work for you.

 Buying a home espresso machine is one of the biggest decisions a coffee drinker makes. This guide covers machine types, boiler systems, budget tiers, and what actually matters for a great shot at home.