Coffee: Beans, Brews, Roasts and Reviews
What would a Turkish meal be without its famous dark brew? How could American commuters cope without that a.m. jolt? As an old proverb says, "Coffee should be black as hell, as strong as death, and as sweet as love." Read the Coffee Web Guide for historical information on coffee, and to learn the different techniques used to grow, roast and brew coffee. You'll also find out where to purchase a coffeemaker online and how to support fair-trade coffee farmers.
Expand All Guide SectionsThe History of Coffee
Coffee plays a major role in the traditions of many cultures. The sites below explain the history of coffee through the ages, and offer timelines that track the evolution of coffee production and consumption.
Insights for the History of Coffee
- If you want to know how marked an effect coffee has had on world culture, read “Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World.”
Top Sites for the History of Coffee
For the history of coffee including timelines and chronology…
Just About Coffee
chronicles the introduction of coffee to various parts of the world, and provides dates when coffee shops were opened across Europe and America. The site also details innovations in brewing and storage throughout the history of coffee.
Talk About Coffee
offers a narrative discussion of the history of coffee. Find all kinds of articles with additional information on varieties of coffee, recipes with coffee and how to have a career in coffee.
For an overview of coffee culture…
International Coffee Organization
recounts the history of coffee. Learn about coffee culture today as well as the significance of coffee as a global commodity.
National Geographic
hosts an interactive feature on coffee. Go to “Coffee Legends” to see how coffee spread across the globe, or visit “National Geographic Article” to read a travel writer’s extensive experience with coffee cultures in Japan, Turkey, Indonesia and various other locales.
Brewing Coffee
Although many people relish the old cup of Joe that comes from a standard drip machine, others prefer brewing coffee from pressed or percolated beans. Below are sites that outline the entire trajectory of coffee bean to coffee cup.
Insights for Brewing Coffee
- If you want to watch the farming, harvesting, roasting and brewing process, a series of video clips provided by Profitable Hospitality illustrates coffee’s path from seedling to steaming cup.
- For more insight into buying, brewing and drinking coffee like a pro, read “The Joy of Coffee: The Essential Guide to Buying, Brewing, and Enjoying”.
Top Sites for Brewing Coffee
To learn about growing coffee…
ThinkQuest Library
covers farming, harvesting, roasting and brewing coffee. Each topic is divided into detailed discussions.
Coffee Research Institute
focuses on growing coffee at home. Learn how to set up your growing station, germinate the beans and care for the coffee plant.
For advice on roasting and grinding coffee…
Sweet Maria’s
offers coffee roasting advice with links throughout the article that explain different devices and systems. Don’t miss the section dedicated to making your own roaster at home.
Seven Bridges Cooperative
explains basic requirements and methods for roasting coffee at home. Scroll down to the “Coffee Roast Style Chart" to see how the type of roast affects acidity, body, aroma and sweetness of the brew.
To learn about coffee brewing methods and techniques…
The Coffee FAQ
has an especially thorough section on brewing techniques. There are no graphics or elaborate design; it’s just a detailed list of coffee topics.
How To Brew Coffee
provides easy-to-follow tutorials on a variety of brewing methods. Look for guidance on Turkish coffee, French Press, Vietnamese, Aeropress, Chemex, Percolator and Cold Brew techniques.
The Java Café
explains how different coffee brewing techniques work. Get straightforward descriptions of standard coffee brewing practices, such as drip filtration, French press or plunger and espresso machines.
Buying Coffee Online
Nothing spoils a weekend morning like having to drive drowsy to the supermarket for coffee. Never find yourself without necessary coffee or filters again. The following sites offer reviews and resources to buy coffee online.
Insights for Buying Coffee Online
- Not sure what kind of coffee or brewing tools to buy? Have a look at the first two sites recommended to get product reviews for beans and coffee makers.
- The fresher the beans, the better the flavor, so don’t order too much coffee at once. Check out this overview of coffee storing techniques for additional tips on keeping your coffee fresh.
Top Sites for Buying Coffee Online
For coffee reviews…
Coffee Review
helps you select a brand or type of coffee before you begin brewing. It’s easy to search for a specific variety of coffee using the Advanced Search option, but looking up a particular brand can be difficult.
CoffeeGeek
reviews coffee brewing products, including drip machines, roasters, grinders and espresso machines. Go to the “Opinions” section of the site for discussions of recent coffee shows, barista championships and coffee reviews.
To buy beans and brewing devices…
Whole Latte Love
has an extensive list of brand name coffee roasters, grinders and brewers. Shop by brand or by item. Also buy coffee beans and grounds online from brands like Lavazza, Illy, Java Joe’s and Café La Semeuse.
Espresso Zone
offers many coffee making appliances and tools, although it specializes in espresso machines. Look for coffee makers, grinders and other barista tools.
The Coffee Project
sells beans and roasters. You’ll find gourmet coffee from around the world including pre-blended, single origin and decaf varieties. Roasting tools are available but the site doesn’t sell brewing devices.
Fair Trade Coffee
Many coffee companies have embraced fair trade and organic cultivation, meaning that indigenous coffee farmers are paid well for their work, and that the land they use is farmed responsibly. The following sites discuss the fair trade coffee movement and show you how to support fair trade efforts.
Insights for Fair Trade Coffee
- Many of the sites mentioned earlier also sell fair trade and organic products, including fair trade coffee. Browse other recommended resources for additional options.
- If you want to learn more about fair trade coffee, read “Brewing Justice: Fair Trade Coffee, Sustainability, and Survival.”
- For additional resources on the fair trade movement and other socially responsible food trends, visit findingDulcinea’s Organic Food Web Guide.
Top Sites for Fair Trade Coffee
For an overview of fair trade…
Global Exchange
outlines the fair trade movement. Support farmers and craftsmen by purchasing fair trade coffee, gift baskets, chocolate or crafts from the fair trade online store.
To support specific fair trade coffee farmers and companies…
Counter Culture Coffee
grows and sells fair trade coffee in Africa, Asia and the Pacific islands, and the Americas. Buy coffee from this cleanly designed site, or read more about the company’s movement and mission.
Grounds for Change
sells pre-roasted, certified organic and fair trade coffee. Click on a product image for a description of that particular blend and a color-coded chart detailing the aroma, body and brightness of each roast.
Pura Vida
offers organic and fair trade coffee from Ethiopia, Indonesia and the Americas. The concise product descriptions cover many types of coffee that can be bought either as whole beans or ground.
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