“Coffee Grounds” — Don’t Throw Them Away Yet! Turn Waste into Gold with 7 Amazing Benefits You May Not Know After brewing coffee, whether from an espresso machine or drip method, what’s left in the portafilter is a dark puck of used coffee grounds. Many people knock it straight into the trash without a second thought. But wait! As baristas, we can tell you: coffee grounds aren’t waste — they’re a resource with many uses. Today, Oriental Coffee will show you how to give coffee

What is Channeling? Why do baristas fear it? If brewing coffee is like “watering a garden bed” evenly, channeling is when “the water secretly finds a shortcut.” Instead of hot water flowing evenly through all the coffee grounds at the same time (even extraction), the water finds a weak point in the coffee puck (such as cracks, air pockets, or areas with lower density). The water then rushes through that path quickly — like a dam breaking. What happens when channeling occu

What is Coffee Ratio? Understand brewing ratios for delicious, consistent, and professional coffee. One of the most common questions among coffee lovers and café owners is:“Why does my coffee taste different even though I brew it the same way?” The answer often isn’t the beans or the machine —it’s something called the coffee ratio. This article will help you understand ratio from the basics to real-world application, so your coffee tastes great, stays consistent, and is q

A delicious cup of coffee is the heart of a great café, but a menu that is appealing and diverse is what brings customers back again and again — and gets them recommending your shop to others. In this article, we’ve gathered popular drink recipes commonly found in coffee shops, whether it’s well-balanced milk coffee, signature drinks that drive sales, or customer-favorite beverages made from tea or cocoa. We also include small techniques that help ensure every cup tastes con

A barista is not just someone who makes coffee, but a storyteller. When you walk into a coffee shop, the first thing you look for is the menu. But just as important is the barista standing behind the counter. Many people think a barista’s job is simply to make coffee to order. In reality, they are artists, experts, and most importantly, storytellers who bring the journey of coffee from distant farms into your cup. Baristas are experts in both art and science Being a great b

What is Single Origin? When Coffee Tells the Story of Its Origin Have you ever wondered where each bag of coffee comes from? Sometimes we see the term “Single Origin” on a coffee bag and simply glance past it. In reality, this term carries a deeper meaning than we might think — it tells the story of coffee’s journey from a distant farm to your cup. From One Farm to a True Taste Single Origin refers to coffee that comes from a single growing source. This source can be clearl

Arabica vs Robusta: A Battle of Completely Different Flavor Worlds If the world of coffee were a boxing ring, no matchup would be more intense than Arabica vs Robusta  — the two main coffee species that dominate the global market and represent two dramatically different flavor experiences. 1. Origin and Growing Conditions Arabica Originates from the highlands of Ethiopia. It thrives in cool climates at elevations of 1,000–2,000 meters  or higher. It is delicate, harder to gr

If the aroma of coffee  is what makes us fall in love with it, then coffee terminology  might be the secret language that makes us fall even deeper into this world. Every cup of coffee we drink — whether it’s a bold hot espresso or a smooth, sweet latte — has a story behind it, told through the words coffee lovers use. These include menu names, equipment, brewing techniques, and even flavor descriptions. Knowing these terms doesn’t just make you sound more professional — it

Coffee roast levels refer to how coffee beans are classified based on roasting time and temperature, which directly affect the color, aroma, and flavor of the coffee. There are four main roast levels: 1. Light Roast Appearance Light brown, similar to cinnamon. No oil on the surface. Flavor & Aroma Bright acidity with fruity notes and natural sweetness. Often has floral or fruit-like aromas and a lighter body. Key Point Contains the highest caffeine content among roast levels.

Coffee bean processing is a crucial step that greatly influences the flavor and quality of coffee. There are three main processing methods, as follows: 1. Dry Process (Natural Process) Method : This is the oldest and most traditional method. Freshly harvested coffee cherries are spread out and dried under the sun on patios or raised beds. The cherries are dried whole until the skin turns dark reddish-brown, which usually takes 2–4 weeks depending on the weather. Resulting Fla

The main coffee species you should know are Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Each has distinct characteristics and flavor profiles, as follows 1. Coffee Arabica Origin & Growing Regions Native to Africa, especially Ethiopia. It is the most popular coffee species worldwide, accounting for over 60% of global coffee production. Physical Characteristics Plants are small to medium in size. Leaves are oval, flowers are fragrant, and cherries are oval-shaped. Beans are oval

The Origin of Coffee: The Tale of Dancing Goats and a Curious Monk Coffee is more than just a beverage — it’s part of daily life for people around the world. But have you ever wondered how it all began? The origin of coffee is filled with fascinating legends, and the most famous story comes from Ethiopia. According to the legend, in the 9th century on the highlands of Kaffa, Ethiopia, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed something unusual about his goats. After eating bright r

What is coffee crema? If you’ve ever ordered an espresso, you may have noticed the layer of golden-brown foam floating on top. That foam is called crema, and it’s often considered a signature of a well-pulled espresso. Many people see crema as a sign of quality, but it actually has a deeper meaning and origin. How is crema formed? Crema is created when hot water under high pressure (around 9 bars) passes through finely ground coffee in an espresso machine.This heat and pres

The Difference Between Green Tea and Matcha Meaning Green Tea: Tea leaves that have been processed and brewed as an infusion.Matcha: Green tea leaves that are ground into a very fine powder. Harvesting Green Tea: Leaves are harvested normally, either by hand or machine.Matcha: Much more carefully cultivated. Tea plants are shaded from sunlight about 20–30 days before harvest to increase chlorophyll and L-theanine levels. Production Process Green Tea: Leaves are steamed (or pa

What is Pre-infusion? The secret to a perfect espresso If you’ve ever wondered why some espresso tastes smooth and well-balanced while others taste flat or overly bitter, one key factor behind a great shot is the pre-infusion system — an important feature in professional espresso machines. What is Pre-infusion? Pre-infusion is the step where hot water is gently applied at low pressure for a short time before full high-pressure extraction begins. In simple terms, it prepares

What is caffeine? Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in various plants such as coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans. It is commonly used as an ingredient in foods, beverages, and even certain medications. Caffeine is classified as a central nervous system stimulant, helping you feel more alert, reduce drowsiness, and temporarily boost energy. Benefits of Caffeine When consumed in appropriate amounts, caffeine can provide several benefits: Increases alertness and focus

Which should you choose: a 1-group or 2-group espresso machine? Choosing an espresso machine for your café is an important decision, especially the number of group heads, which directly affects workflow and service efficiency. Key Differences Between 1-Group and 2-Group Machines The most obvious difference is the number of group heads, which determines how many espresso shots can be extracted at the same time. 1-Group Machine:Has one group head, allowing extraction of 1–2 cup

The taste of coffee does not come from the beans alone. It is the result of a complex process at every stage, from cultivation to brewing. Many important factors influence the final flavor, as follows: 1. Pre-Harvest Factors Variety:Each coffee variety has its own unique flavor profile. For example, Arabica often has fruity acidity and complex flavors, while Robusta tends to be stronger, more bitter, and heavier in body. Terroir:Similar to wine, climate, altitude, soil condit

Why is coffee grind size important? Grind size is one of the most important factors affecting the taste of your coffee because it controls the extraction rate of flavors and compounds from the coffee beans. Why Does Grind Size Matter? When you grind coffee, the beans break into smaller particles.The finer the grind, the greater the surface area that comes into contact with water. Fine Grind: Increases surface area, allowing water to extract flavors and aromas more quickly and

Fresh Coffee vs. Traditional Thai Coffee Fresh Coffee In this context, fresh coffee refers to coffee made from 100% real coffee beans, freshly roasted and brewed using various methods such as Espresso, Drip, or Syphon.The core of fresh coffee is the emphasis on the unique flavors and aromas of coffee beans from different origins, which may present sweet acidity similar to fruit, or floral aromas. Key Characteristics Uses freshly roasted Arabica or Robusta beans, ground fresh