The Reading Room

Did You Know? Espresso vs. Drip Coffee:   There is a great deal of common misconceptions out there when it comes to understanding the delicious and complex beverage we have all come to love, espresso. Some believe that espresso is...

      In the first part of this series, we talked about the headlines we've seen recently about rising coffee prices, and linked to a number of articles. Most of them pinned much of the blame for the higher...

      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...

      If you've been watching the headlines, chances are you've heard that coffee prices are rising. Wait, let's try that again with the appropriate emphasis.   Coffee Prices to Skyrocket - Your Cup of Coffee Just Got More...

      When groups like Harris Interactive Polls and the International Ice Cream Association ask people to list their favorite ice cream flavors, coffee ice cream barely cracks the top ten. More people like peanut butter ice cream than...

/ photo taken at Blue Bottle Coffee's newest outpost in Oakland, California /         Celebrating the 4th with a barbecue, beach party or night at the fireworks? Chances are you're planning to stock the cooler with iced...

      Last week we blogged about the perfection that is the affogato, a beautiful blend of ice cream and crema, with recipes and tips for truly making it your summer go-to. And since we can't get enough of our...

/ Photo via Sweet Bloom Coffee /       Last week, 54 baristas from around the world took to their brewing stations to compete for the title of World Barista Champion. On Thursday, that honor went to Japan's Hidenori...

        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...

      One of the first questions anyone asks when they want to improve their coffee is "how much coffee should I use?" The coffee-to-water ratio varies depending on the brewing method you choose and, frankly, upon your own...

      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...

          Located outside of large metropolitan areas like New York, Philadelphia and D.C., OQ Coffee Company opened its doors to the Highland Park community in New Jersey just a few years ago but has already signified a...

      If there's anything we love almost as much as a great cup of coffee, it's a great book about coffee. We openly admit our obsession with the noble bean, its history, its chemistry, the politics and romance...

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...

      Among the most exciting parts of the SCAA's big Event are the multiple competitions for a national title in the U.S. Coffee Championships. Over the course of the week, baristas and roasters compete in any of five...

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,...

      Each year when the SCAA gathers for its annual event, the organization recognizes the best new products in the industry for both consumers and professionals. To make it even more fun, there are two separate competitions in...

/ title photo - Begin Simply /           Have you ever wondered why chocolate and coffee are such an amazing and enduring flavor pairing? Food chemists have wondered the same thing. The simple answer is this: foods that...