At the heart of every cup of coffee lies a humble seed—the coffee bean. But not all beans are created equal. The global coffee industry is dominated by two primary species: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, better known as Arabica and Robusta. These two beans differ in taste, cultivation, climate, caffeine content, and cultural perception. … Read more
Coffee is a beverage with a rich aroma and even richer history. While its social and cultural impact is widely celebrated, its ties to colonialism, empire-building, and exploitation are often overlooked. Behind every cup brewed in Europe or the Americas during the colonial era was a global supply chain fueled by conquest, forced labor, and … Read more
Coffee may be the peaceful companion to your morning routine today, but centuries ago, it was seen as something far more radical. In the courts of kings and sultans, coffee wasn’t just a beverage—it was a threat. Across the Islamic world and Christian Europe, rulers once feared coffee because of its association with intellect, rebellion, … Read more
Throughout its history, coffee has been praised as a divine gift and denounced as a tool of rebellion. As the beverage spread across continents and cultures, it encountered various religious authorities, sparking debates about its morality, effects, and place in spiritual life. This article explores the complex relationship between coffee and religion—from its sacred role … Read more
Coffee has never been just a drink—it’s a symbol, a scene-setter, and an inspiration across centuries of literature and art. Whether depicted in a quiet café painting or mentioned in a revolutionary novel, coffee has served as a metaphor for intellect, intimacy, rebellion, and routine. In this article, we’ll explore how coffee has been portrayed … Read more
Long before cafés became modern symbols of comfort and creativity, they served as engines of transformation in 17th-century Europe. Coffeehouses were radical spaces—fueling enlightenment, economic change, political discourse, and cultural revolution. As the coffee bean traveled from the Islamic world to European cities, it brought with it a social custom that would change the continent … Read more
Brazil is synonymous with coffee. As the world’s largest producer for over 150 years, its influence on the global coffee industry is undeniable. But Brazil’s coffee story is more than just numbers—it’s a tale of economic transformation, labor struggles, environmental shifts, and cultural identity. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Brazil’s coffee boom, … Read more