Over the past weekend, a large outdoor coffee market in Fuzhou attracted hundreds of brands, but temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius, even approaching 40 degrees, turned what was meant to be a relaxing coffee gathering into something far less pleasant. Although the organizers adjusted the event hours to the evening and took some cooling measures, the temperature difference between the inner and outer areas was stark. Vendors in the outer area felt as if they were trapped in a steamer, while visitors complained repeatedly about unclear signage and insufficient lighting. When holding outdoor events in extreme weather, there is clearly still considerable room for improvement in heatstroke prevention plans and on-site management. [more…]

In the height of summer, Luckin Coffee stores have once again become a hot topic on social media due to their excessively strong air conditioning. Many customers complain that stepping in to pick up their coffee feels like walking into an icehouse, and some have even caught colds from the freezing conditions. What exactly causes Luckin's air conditioning to be set as low as 16°C? Why can employees remain so calm and composed in such an environment? Starting from real customer experiences, combined with insect-prevention considerations revealed by employees and the spatial characteristics of the stores, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of the causal logic behind the Luckin "icehouse" phenomenon, while also offering coffee lovers a summer store-visit reference. [more…]

As a globally popular beverage, coffee packaging must not only prevent the escape of aroma and moisture absorption, but also address oxidation, odor adsorption, and quality deterioration caused by high temperatures. This article focuses on the packaging needs of regular coffee and instant coffee, systematically outlining key technical requirements such as oxidation prevention, moisture resistance, gas barrier properties, and high-temperature protection, and introduces current mainstream vacuum packaging and gas-flushing packaging processes. In terms of material selection, bags, bag-in-box, metal cans, and glass jars each have corresponding composite structure solutions, while instant coffee mostly uses paper/aluminum foil/polyethylene flexible packaging. The article concludes with a summary of common packaging forms such as bags, cans, and boxes, suitable for reference by coffee enthusiasts and industry professionals. [more…]

As the Spring Festival approaches, courier services are gradually suspending operations, and many coffee lovers have already stocked up on beans in advance. But how to keep coffee beans fresh during this period has become a concern for everyone. Storing coffee beans requires avoiding three major enemies: high temperatures, moisture, and oxidation. High temperatures accelerate the loss of aroma, moisture easily leads to mold, and oxidation shortens the optimal flavor period. Front Street recommends that unopened original packaging be kept in a cool, dry place, and that an airtight container be used after opening. As for refrigeration or freezing, although it can slow oxidation, it comes with the challenges of absorbing odors and becoming damp during thawing. This article will break down these storage points in detail to help you enjoy the New Year with peace of mind. [more…]

What should you do if you buy too many coffee beans and can't finish them within their peak flavor window? The aroma of coffee dissipates along with carbon dioxide, so the brewed flavor naturally suffers. Some people therefore try putting their beans in the freezer, said to extend freshness—but does this method actually work? Low temperatures can indeed slow the loss of aroma, but freezing is not foolproof: improper sealing leads to odor transfer, and condensation strikes when you take the beans out. This article walks through the key points and common pitfalls of freezing coffee beans in detail, helping you decide whether this practice is worth trying. [more…]

Recently, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a disease prevention agency in the Americas, due to the rise in global temperatures and the influence of extreme weather beans, the number of reported dengue fever cases in the Ameri [more…]

Recently, a trend of pouring Huoxiang Zhengqi Shui (a traditional Chinese medicine for heatstroke) into iced Americano has spread rapidly online, with many coffee enthusiasts eager to try it. From the earlier practice of adding ice cubes to herbal tea, to later mixing traditional Chinese medicine granules into coffee, and now directly pouring Huoxiang Zhengqi Shui into iced Americano, these "medicated coffee" concoctions keep escalating. However, Huoxiang Zhengqi Shui is, after all, a medicine, and its ingredients may irritate the stomach and intestines. When mixed with coffee, it can easily trigger gastrointestinal spasms, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and other discomforts. Curiosity is understandable, but casually mixing medicine with coffee has crossed the boundary of safety. This article will start with the origins of this trend and discuss why this way of drinking is not worth promoting. [more…]

On a sweltering 40°C day, most people would rather stay cocooned in air-conditioned rooms, yet an unusual queue formed at Suzhou's Yanlord Cangjie Commercial Plaza—outside the nation's first MUJI coffee pop-up store, customers were lining up under the scorching sun, umbrellas in hand. What drew them was not a new matcha product, but two Suzhou-exclusive brand badges. However, the queuing process was nothing short of a "roasting" ordeal, with indoor areas also unable to escape direct sunlight, weakening the air conditioning and leading to frequent complaints about insufficiently cold drinks and ice cream melting in seconds. This pop-up event will continue until November, and those who have already "braved the battle" are advising: if you're not set on the giveaways, it might be better to wait for cooler weather before going. [more…]

Coffee is not only a refreshing beverage but also rich in various beneficial components. From the perspective of chlorogenic acid, this article systematically reviews the health value of coffee. As a key antioxidant, chlorogenic acid is widely present in green coffee beans and possesses multiple biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, and cardiovascular-protective effects. The article provides a detailed introduction to the chemical structure, plant sources, medical applications, and toxicity of chlorogenic acid, and compares changes in chlorogenic acid content across different coffee varieties and roast levels. Finally, based on extraction experimental data, it offers practical advice for daily coffee consumption. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a reader concerned with healthy eating, you can gain a scientific and objective understanding of coffee from it. [more…]

Blue Bottle Coffee's first mainland China store—Shanghai Yutong Store—went from a phenomenon-level check-in spot with seven-hour queues on opening day to announcing a temporary closure in response to epidemic prevention and control measures. What was the process like? This article reviews the changes in customer flow since the store opened, adjustments to epidemic prevention measures, and the development of Shanghai's current round of the epidemic. As a brand widely regarded as the "textbook" example in the specialty coffee field, Blue Bottle's temporary farewell this time has left many coffee lovers feeling regretful. In the face of the epidemic, health always comes first, and we will continue to follow updates on its reopening. [more…]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, epidemic prevention supplies became part of daily life, and hand sanitizer also commonly appeared in public places such as coffee shops. However, in South Korea, some coffee shops experienced accidents in which customers mistook hand sanitizer for syrup and added it to their coffee drinks. Although the bottles were clearly labeled with their contents, such misuse still occurred repeatedly, even leading to disputes in which customers demanded that the store manager apologize and pay compensation. Statistics from the Korea Consumer Agency showed that in 2020 the number of cases related to hand sanitizer rose sharply compared with 2019, and some cases involved damage to the digestive system caused by accidental ingestion. While maintaining epidemic prevention measures, coffee shops also face the challenge of how to make labels more conspicuous and reduce misuse. [more…]

A milk tea shop was sealed and ordered to close on the spot by market supervision officials in under a minute—all because the staff said "Welcome" before asking customers to scan the QR code. The incident sparked widespread attention after it was exposed. An official statement later concluded that the law enforcement officers had abused their power and deliberately made things difficult; those involved have apologized and been disciplined. In this issue of coffee news, while we follow this incident, we also remind coffee professionals to be mindful of the boundaries of law enforcement in epidemic prevention and control, and we continue to bring coffee enthusiasts professional coffee knowledge and Front Street Coffee product recommendations. [more…]

Espresso can be called the flavor foundation of all Italian-style drinks. A well-extracted espresso can fully amplify the strengths of the coffee beans; but once it is done badly, the flaws are likewise magnified many times over. Among the many factors affecting espresso quality, "channeling" occurs extremely frequently. Once it happens during extraction, it has a negative impact on the coffee's taste, yet it is often overlooked. In this article, Front Street will explain clearly what channeling actually is, why it occurs so often, and the key to preventing it—optimizing the distribution step—to help baristas and coffee enthusiasts steadily improve the quality of their output. [more…]

Extracting a qualified espresso—the real contest begins before the portafilter is even locked in. As the core steps of the preparation stage, distribution and tamping directly determine whether the coffee puck can withstand the impact of 9 bar of high-pressure water. Once the powder layer is uneven in density or not compacted properly, hot water will find the path of least resistance and punch through, forming what is known as "channeling," which leads to uneven extraction and an unbalanced flavor profile. This article will break down the standard operating process step by step, from dosing to distribution to tamping, compare the respective pros and cons of manual distribution and distribution tools, and share Front Street Coffee's professional advice on common pitfalls, helping you consistently reproduce a cup of espresso with distinct layers at home. [more…]

Bought too many coffee beans and can't finish them for a while—can you just toss them in the fridge? Should they go in the refrigerator or the freezer? This article centers on the real goal of "freshness"—preserving aroma—and breaks down the five great enemies: strong light, high heat, moisture, oxygen, and odors, while offering practical home freshness-locking solutions. It also draws on the experimental conclusions of Swiss scientist SAMO SMRKE to explain that freezing can significantly slow down coffee bean degassing and delay the peak flavor period, but improper handling can also lead to air leakage, moisture absorption, and odor transfer. At the end, Front Street's detailed freezing and thawing tips are included to help you store your beans more reliably and enjoy better-tasting coffee. [more…]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai, shortages of supplies became a difficult problem for residents. A blogger exchanged the only coffee at home for a neighbor's canned meat, sparking heated discussion online. Some joked about whether coffee beans could be traded for vegetables, while others questioned whether it was worth it. This article records this coffee story from a special period, and reminds everyone to cooperate with epidemic prevention and reduce contact. At the same time, Front Street Coffee continues to provide coffee lovers with professional exchange and specialty bean information. [more…]

A newly purchased moka pot also needs to undergo a "seasoning" process like an iron wok, in order to remove metal shavings and oil residue left from manufacturing. But seasoning is not simply rinsing—it involves many details: Why can't you season it with just water? When should you stop heating to avoid bursting the pot? How should you clean and store it properly? Front Street Coffee will explain in detail the correct method for seasoning a moka pot, and share key precautions during use, helping you safely and efficiently enjoy the coffee pleasure brought by a moka pot. [more…]

Channeling is often thought to be related only to espresso, but in reality, pour-over extraction can also exhibit this phenomenon. When hot water bypasses the coffee bed and flows directly away through the gap between the filter paper and the dripper, it causes uneven extraction. Drippers with flow-control ribs, such as the V60 and Origami, are more prone to this kind of problem. Channeling manifests differently depending on its severity: in mild cases, hot water flows over the coffee bed and escapes through gaps at the top; in severe cases, the coffee wall is breached, forming obvious fractures, resulting in weak, astringent, and muddy coffee. Fortunately, by adjusting the pouring method—for example, reducing large circular pours and lowering the pouring height—the occurrence of channeling can be effectively reduced. [more…]

Beyond the usual Americanos and lattes, independent coffee shops often offer signature drinks that have been repeatedly refined—recipes that embody the owner's dedication. But when a barista leaves and takes those recipes to their next job, how should owners respond? Some agonize over this, while others believe that recipes have become largely transparent these days and aren't worth overthinking. This article compiles the views and advice of several industry professionals, exploring this common industry dilemma from legal agreements and house-made ingredients to mindset adjustments, and includes related recommendations from Front Street Coffee for coffee lovers and shop owners to reference. [more…]

As China's pandemic prevention and control policies are optimized and adjusted, the order of production and daily life is gradually being restored across the country, economic vitality is being unleashed anew, and foreign-funded enterprises are benefiting from it—the coffee chain giant Starbucks is a typical example. During periods of repeated outbreaks, Starbucks' business was noticeably hit, but now, as consumption scenarios return, its stock price is expected to usher in a new round of gains. Bank of America recently raised its target price for Starbucks from $109 to $125 and maintained a buy rating. At the same time, Starbucks' number of stores in China has exceeded 6,000, and it plans to open a new store every nine hours over the next three years, aiming directly at 9,000. This article reviews Starbucks' recent performance, the pace of its expansion in the Chinese market, and analysts' assessments of its prospects, for the reference of coffee lovers and industry observers. [more…]