Pu’er Coffee

 Every time I go to a coffee expo, it feels like I need to come away with something for it to feel worthwhile. For me, the biggest value of these events is that they offer a concentrated window into brands and products that are new, distinctive, and sometimes even pleasantly surprising. What I’m sharing this time is another discovery from late November last year at the Shanghai Coffee Expo—a startup roastery from Shanghai called Stellaria . I noticed their booth the moment I walked by. The packaging was fresh and clean, and you could sense the emotional value the brand wanted to convey through subtle design details. They have a rather romantic and idealistic interpretation of their brand story: “Named after ‘celestial radiance,’ and paired with the simple ‘-ia’ suffix to enhance memorability, Stellaria captures the essence of youth and cutting-edge technological design. In Chinese, it evokes the poetic image of stars drifting quietly across the night sky, symbolizing the rich a...

 Lately, I seem to keep coming back to the topic of espresso crema separation. Just as debates are heating up over whether crema should be preserved or filtered out, I came across a crowdfunded product on Kickstarter some time ago that offers a surprisingly elegant answer: young people don’t do multiple-choice questions—we want it all. The reason this cup truly delivers on that “no need to choose” idea is its ability to offer multiple tasting experiences from a single cup. This dual-chamber espresso cup allows you to enjoy a classic espresso with crema, then—by rotating the base—separate and filter out the crema to taste an espresso without it. You can even drink it midway through the process, experiencing a uniquely balanced in-between state. Setting everything else aside, I think this cup is especially well suited for espresso tasting. On a theoretical level, we often say that crema contributes aromatic compounds, but also introduces bitterness. With this cup, you can directly c...

 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....

 What does it really mean to drink good coffee? For many people, coffee isn’t just a beverage — it’s a daily ritual, a source of comfort, and sometimes even a quiet reflection of who we are. Yet beyond the aroma and the caffeine rush lies a deeper world: one where flavor, memory, and mindfulness meet. This article explores how to define quality in coffee and how to taste it with intention — so every sip becomes a discovery. Introduction Everyone has their own taste when it comes to food and drink — and coffee lovers are no exception. Each of us has a personal preference for certain coffee flavors, often tied to a feeling, a memory, or an emotion that connects us to a particular moment in life. Drinking Good Coffee Is the First Step into the World of Coffee “Coffee always tastes bitter, but its aroma is irresistible.” “Chain café coffee tastes good, but it’s mostly milk and sugar — I can’t really taste the bean’s character.” These are the thoughts many coffee drinkers share. E...