Month: April 2025

Women and Coffee: Unsung Figures in Coffee’s Global History

Coffee has long been celebrated for its bold flavors and rich cultural history. But behind the steaming cups and global trade lies a truth often overlooked: women have played a central—yet underappreciated—role in the story of coffee. From farm to cup, women have shaped the industry through cultivation, commerce, art, and activism. Their stories are …

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 …

How Bees, Bats, and Birds Help Create Your Morning Coffee

Every morning, millions of people around the world sip a warm cup of coffee without ever realizing how much they owe to some of nature’s most underrated allies—bees, bats, and birds. These creatures, often invisible to us, are silently at work in the background, protecting coffee plants, pollinating blossoms, and balancing delicate ecosystems. In this …