What's Brewing

Life in a coffee farm may not be perfect, but coffee farmers enjoy lower levels of stress and depression compared to people in the big cities. This treat is not a natural consequence to their environment but the result of their lifestyle and overall attitude towards themselves and life in general. Here are a few tips on things we can learn from coffee farmers. Early Mornings Coffee farmers wake up as early as 4am. Depending on their commute (which is usually a long walk) and the season. There is something about the early twilight and transitioning into the day at...

It was 1955, when Phil Greinetz, the owner of a neck-ties company was struggling with his employees' work efficiency. The job required long hours of focus and it was very draining to complete. Consequently, the resulting amount of mistakes and the overall efficiency was very low. In addition to that, employee retention was difficult because everyone was burning out so fast that they would either quit or stay but be unhappy, unhealthy, and unproductive. This situation was equally bad for the employer and the employees and it was in desperate need of a solution.  We don’t know how exactly how...

For most of history, coffee has been a luxury. It takes about a year from the moment we plant a seed to the moment we can brew it and enjoy it. That is a whole year of taking care of a plant, annually collecting beans, and ultimately processing them before roasting. There is no doubt that growing coffee is no small feat.  The industrial revolution opened the doors to cheaper ways to grow coffee. The quality of the beans suffered but it also made coffee more readily available for consumers. Nonetheless, industrialization divided the coffee industry in two. Specialty coffee...

By definition, a barista is someone who serves coffee; but what we understand nowadays as barista involves more than serving coffee. There are world-wide competitions bringing together some of the best in the world because we understand that it is a profession rooted in a professionalism and dedication comparable to that of Olympic athletes. Baristas study the beans, decide on how fine or coarse the grinding should be, then discern the type of brewing and its corresponding water to coffee ratio, and when you think it is all done, the serving in itself is an instagrammable show.  We can all serve...

The more you know, the more you realize how little you know. Coffee has been around for so long and it has made a significant impact in so many cultures that its legacy and importance is vast enough to keep us forever intrigued.  Here is a list of the 16 most fascinating facts about coffee. The darker the roast, the lower caffeine content.  Light roast coffee has a higher caffeine content, so if you are drinking coffee for energy purposes, pick the lighter over darker roasts.    Finns consume 27.5 pounds of coffee per year According to the International Coffee...

Good news my friends! If you’d like to become an avid coffee taster you neither need extensive academic education nor complicated equipment, all you need is practice. By taking your time to consciously pay attention to the different aromas and taste of coffee you will start to notice the sometimes subtle and sometimes not so subtle tones and flavors of coffee. It is a physical and mental exercise (some would add emotional to that list), and just like all exercises, you need as much practice and exposure as possible in order to get better and better at it.  People become...