Pu’er Coffee

 People often say, “You get what you pay for.” In many aspects of life, this saying makes perfect sense, and it’s deeply ingrained in the way we think about consumption. Not long ago, a customer came into our shop for coffee. After looking at the menu, he asked with surprise, “What’s this Emerald Red Label for 75 yuan? It must taste way better than the regular pour-over for 30 yuan, right?” Clearly, this customer had already equated “expensive coffee” with “good coffee,” assuming that a higher price always means better flavor. But is that really the truth? What determines the price of coffee? 1. Variety Most people know that the coffee beans sold today are broadly divided into Arabica and Robusta. Arabica includes many sub-varieties—Typica, Bourbon, Caturra, and more. These beans are usually grown at high altitudes above 800 meters. They tend to have a smoother taste and more refined flavor characteristics influenced by the local terroir. However, Arabica is picky by nature....

 Have you ever found yourself standing in front of a shelf of coffee beans, staring blankly at all the different packages? Or maybe when a friend asks what kind of coffee you like, all you can say is, “Uh… anything that smells good”? Don’t worry—every seasoned coffee lover started out just as confused. Today, let’s walk through six key tips for getting into coffee, helping you avoid detours and find your perfect cup faster. 1. Get to Know Coffee Beans Coffee beans are actually the seeds of the coffee cherry. Globally, they’re mainly divided into two categories: Arabica and Robusta . Arabica beans are delicate and bright, with higher acidity, while Robusta beans offer a stronger, more intense flavor and higher caffeine content. When you’re shopping, start by trying Arabica—after all, it makes up more than 70% of the world’s coffee production. A coffee’s flavor largely depends on its origin—much like wine. Ethiopian beans often have floral and fruity notes, while Brazilian bea...

 As a coffee lover and professional, I’ve been guarding this little, aroma-filled café for four years now. My bar counter is like a quiet old friend, accompanying countless people through their early mornings and late nights. Every latte with delicate latte art, every pot of carefully brewed pour-over I handed to customers—what I received in return was the sparkle in their eyes. Coffee was a ritual, a comfort, a silent understanding we all shared. But over the past one or two years, a subtle shift has taken place around me. Several familiar customers, myself included, have gone through similar changes. Those regulars who used to come once a day now only show up two or three times a week, and eventually only on weekends. Take Ms. Wang, for example—the advertising director who relied on a double espresso to survive every workday. Now, when she walks in, she orders only a cup of decaf. She laughs and tells me, “It’s not that I don’t want coffee. I still love the fruity notes of Et...

 If you drink coffee to stay alert, you probably know caffeine is the secret behind its energizing effect. But have you ever wondered why some coffees seem to wake you up instantly, while others barely do the trick? The answer lies in two key factors — the type of coffee beans and how you brew them . ☕ Coffee Bean Varieties: Arabica Has Less Caffeine There are two main types of coffee beans grown commercially around the world: Arabica and Robusta . Arabica beans contain 0.8%–1.5% caffeine , while Robusta beans have 1.7%–4% , which is nearly double the amount. Although Arabica makes up more than 70% of the world’s coffee production , the caffeine content in your cup doesn’t just depend on the bean itself — it depends even more on how you brew it . 🔥 Brewing Methods: Drip Coffee Packs the Most Caffeine A lot of people think that the stronger the coffee tastes, the more caffeine it has — and the more it’ll keep you awake. But that’s not exactly true. According to coffee e...

 As global demand for coffee continues to surge, Vietnam — the world’s largest Robusta producer — is experiencing a historic boom. The country’s coffee export revenue has reached new heights, fueled by strong international prices and robust yields across its fertile Central Highlands. Farmers are optimistic, traders are holding back stocks for better deals, and experts predict that Vietnam’s coffee prices will stay high well into the new season. Here’s a closer look at what’s driving this record-breaking growth and what it means for the global coffee market. According to data from the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (VICOFA) , Vietnam exported over 1.5 million tons of coffee during the 2024/25 season — a 6% increase compared to the previous year. Export revenue surged to an unprecedented $8.4 billion , up 60% year over year , driven by both higher coffee prices and increased production. Starting in October, Vietnam entered the 2025/26 crop year , with domestic coffee price...

  In brewed coffee, over 800 flavor and aromatic compounds have been identified. For coffee enthusiasts, the most exciting part is figuring out how these compounds form and how they influence the flavor and mouthfeel of coffee. There are plenty of books that dive deep into the chemistry of coffee, but for those who aren’t chemists, reading them can be a snooze—even with all the caffeine you consume! So today, we’ll focus only on a few of the main compounds. Acids and Sugars: The Key to Coffee Flavor As both roasters and coffee lovers, we’re particularly interested in two types of compounds: carbohydrates (sugars) and organic acids. The interplay between these compounds largely defines the coffee experience. To understand this, just think of the difference between cheap white wine and a decent wine. Cheap wines have low sugar content and only one or two prominent acids, which makes them taste sharp, thin, and harsh. Good wines, on the other hand, have rich acid profiles—some with...