Category: Coffee
The coffee farmer crisis
Henry Calvo screamed into a megaphone as he led a protest outside a Bogota Starbucks in September to demand better prices for coffee growers, like himself.
Wearing a straw hat and a T-shirt depicting the famous Starbucks mermaid as a skeleton, Calvo led angry chants against “imperialist” companies that he accuses of ripping off coffee farmers.
With $6 lattes now the norm at places like Starbucks, it may not seem like coffee is getting cheaper. But the price that most farmers around the world get for their coffee beans has dropped by half over the past five years, and is forcing many to switch their crops, migrate to other countries, or continue to produce their beans under belt-tightening circumstances.
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Best gifts for coffee lovers in 2019
You might still be riding the Third Wave coffee movement if you can discuss the aromatic nuances and mouthfeel of your preferred region of coffee bean, or maybe you’ve made your own cold brew at home. But even if you’re not a proud coffee snob, we know you jones for your java — and to a lesser extent, your leaves. That’s why we’ve compiled our picks of the best gifts for coffee lovers.
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Coffee Makes 3D Printing Better
While we know some 3D printer operators who need coffee, Washington State University is showing an improved PLA material that incorporates used coffee waste. Regular PLA is not known for being especially strong, though It isn’t uncommon for vendors to add things to their PLA to change its characteristics.
The new material containing about 20% coffee waste showed an over 400% increase in toughness (25.24 MJ/m3) versus standard PLA. Why coffee waste? We aren’t sure. They didn’t add grounds, but rather a dry and odorless material left over after coffee grounds are processed for biodiesel production.
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Coffee bean extracts alleviate inflammation, insulin resistance in mouse cells
When coffee beans are processed and roasted the husk and silverskin of the bean are removed and unused, and often are left behind in fields by coffee producers.
Food science and human nutrition researchers at the University of Illinois are interested in the potential of inflammation-fighting compounds found in the silverskin and husk of coffee beans, not only for their benefits in alleviating chronic disease, but also in adding value to would-be “waste” products from the coffee processing industry.
A recent study, published in Food and Chemical Toxicology, shows that when fat cells of mice were treated with water-based extracts from coffee beans skins, two phenolic compounds—protocatechuic acid and gallic acid—in particular reduced fat-induced inflammation in the cells and improved glucose absorption and insulin sensitivity.
How Much Caffeine Does Tea Have Compared with Coffee?
Caffeine’s popularity as a natural stimulant is unparalleled.
It’s found in over 60 plant species and enjoyed across the globe, especially in coffee, chocolate, and tea.
The caffeine content in a beverage varies depending on the ingredients and how the drink is prepared.
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Coffee accessories you never knew you needed
A “good” cup of coffee means something different for everyone, ranging from a cup of dark, almost chewy truckstop coffee to a lighter-bodied pour over made with meticulous timing and measurements. Even if you feel satisfied by your usual go-to cup of joe, there are products and the best coffee accessories out there that can take your coffee to the next level. If you’re willing to step (or even tiptoe) outside the comfort zone around your tried-and-true favorite brewing process, you may find that an even better cup of coffee is within reach.
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Caffeine and clean: Why you should fall in love with shower coffee
This is the year I fell in love with shower coffee: the perky, pre-business hours alternative to winding down with a shower beer or a glass of wine in the bathtub. What began as a necessity on occasions when I was running late has evolved into a near-daily jolt of pleasure.
As with any type of multitasking, there are some logistics that need to be ironed out before you enjoy a sip of shower coffee. Ideally, your shower has a ledge or shelf for safe coffee storage. Travel mugs or a cup with a lid and straw function best, though you may be at peace with getting a splash of water in your drink.
Is It Better to Drink Coffee Before or After You Exercise? The Answer Might Surprise You
Whatever way you slice it, coffee is packed with promising health benefits. It’s been shown to increase your energy levels and metabolic rate, lower your risk of depression, and decrease your chances of getting type 2 diabetes.
Speaking of energy levels, many of us (myself included) cannot leave the house without a cup—or two—of coffee. We rely on it to bring us back to life in the morning, which is all fun and games until we started wondering, should we really be sipping this stuff before we work out in the a.m.?
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What’s The Difference Between Coffee and Espresso?
Coffee isn’t so much a beverage as it is a necessity to civilized society. Or at least that’s my view before I’ve had at least one cup in the morning. Some people will drink anything that’s warm and caffeinated, while others are picky about the flavor profile and brewing method. If you’re particular about your cup of coffee, there’s nothing better than a coffee shop that gets your latte, mocha or regular old dark roast exactly right. But if you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, here’s a coffee 101 starting with a basic question: Is there actually any difference between espresso and coffee?
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Science Says Drinking Coffee Helps People Slow Aging, Lose Weight, and Cheat Death
People have been drinking coffee since at least the 15th century, and it’s been a staple of the workplace for more than a century. But it’s only fairly recently that science has explained some of its incredible health benefits.
As an avid coffee fan, I’ve written a lot over the years on new scientific studies about coffee’s health benefits. Here’s a quick recap of some of the best of them.
If you’re not drinking coffee yet, these studies might just change your mind.
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