Pu’er Coffee

 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...

 If you pay attention to coffee gear, you’ll notice that many tools come in a wide range of materials. Take drippers, for example—you can find them made from resin, ceramic, glass, or stainless steel. But when it comes to milk frothing pitchers, the choice seems almost unanimous: stainless steel. This raises a natural question—are other materials really unsuitable? And if so, why has stainless steel become the near-universal standard? Today, let’s take a closer look at the physical properties and practical considerations that have led to this seemingly one-sided outcome. A truly good milk pitcher needs to meet several strict requirements: excellent heat transfer, controllable temperature rise, durability and strength, and proper hygiene. These demands alone narrow the list of viable materials considerably. Once you understand the core purpose of a milk pitcher and what it must do well, the answer becomes fairly obvious. Heat Conductivity Comes First The most critical factor is he...