Coffee and Colonialism: The Role of the Bean in Empire Expansion

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 …

Why Coffee Tastes Better in a Café: The Science and Psychology Behind the Experience

Have you ever brewed the same coffee beans at home — only to feel like they taste better when served in a cozy café? You’re not imagining things. Coffee truly can taste better when enjoyed outside your home, and there’s a fascinating mix of science, psychology, and sensory design behind this everyday mystery. In this …