News

When it comes to the world of coffee, connoisseurs are always on the lookout for unique and exceptional flavors that can transport them into another sensory dimension. One such gem in the coffee universe is the Geisha varietal, known for its extraordinary flavors and captivating aromas. Originating in the lush coffee-growing regions of Ethiopia, the Geisha varietal has gained a cult-like following among coffee enthusiasts, thanks to its distinct profile and movie-worthy history. The Geisha varietal, often referred to as Gesha, stands out due to its unparalleled complexity and delicate taste. Cultivated at high altitudes in regions like Panama, Colombia, and Costa...

Not all coffee is created equal. There are two main types of coffee: commodity coffee and specialty coffee. At Hansa, you’ll only find specialty. While both types may come from the same plant, there are significant differences between them. Lets find out why. Commodity Coffee Commodity coffee, also known as commercial coffee, is produced in large quantities and traded on the commodity exchanges. It is typically grown at lower elevations and in large monoculture farms, with the focus on maximizing yield and reducing costs. The beans are often harvested using mechanical equipment, and then processed using a combination of wet...

Colombia is one of the largest coffee producers in the world, with its coffee industry employing more than 500,000 people and generating over $2 billion in revenue annually. However, the industry is facing a major threat from narco traffickers, who are using coffee farms as a front for their illegal activities. While the current breed of narco trafficker may be a foe to the friendly farmer, a once great yet unspoken symbiosis was the basis for the modern Colombian coffee economy.  Narco traffickers in Colombia have a long history of using legitimate businesses as a cover for their illegal activities. In...

Coffee houses have played a significant role in several revolutions throughout history. These establishments have long been associated with intellectual discourse and political debate, making them a natural gathering place for individuals with a shared interest in revolutionary ideas. One of the most notable examples of the relationship between coffee houses and revolutions is the French Revolution. The Café de Foy, located in Paris, was a popular gathering place for the revolutionaries of the time. It was here that many of the key ideas that shaped the revolution were discussed and debated. In fact, it was at the Café de...

If you're a coffee lover, you have probably dabbled in the much-beloved Peaberry. This coveted type of coffee is unique because it is essentially a natural accident in biology. Unlike regular beans, which grow two seeds per cherry, a Peaberry only has one. This results in a smaller, rounder bean with a higher concentration of flavor. How does Peaberry form? A cross-sections of a Peaberry vs. a standard coffee cherry, Photo source Big Island Coffee Roasters. From a botanical perspective, Peaberry coffee forms due to a natural mutation that occurs during the development of the coffee cherry. In regular coffee cherries,...

Specialty coffee and wine are two beverages that have long been the focus of connoisseurs around the world. Both share a rich history and cultural significance, and both (at least is suggested) require extensive knowledge and experience to fully appreciate their nuances. I have found that principle to be elitist and reductionist. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two beloved beverages. At the heart of specialty coffee and wine lies the concept of terroir. Both beverages are heavily influenced by the region in which they are grown, with factors such as soil, microclimate, and altitude...

  As the global economy grapples with fluctuating inflation rates, the specialty coffee industry is also experiencing its own form of this phenomenon—shrinkflation. This term refers to the practice of reducing the quantity or quality of a product while maintaining or increasing its price, a sneaky way for companies to offset rising costs without raising eyebrows. Shrinkflation in Specialty Coffee In the specialty coffee industry, shrinkflation has taken various forms. One such example is the reduction of bag sizes from the traditional 16-ounce (1 pound) bags to 12-ounce bags, while keeping the price per bag the same. This effectively increases...

Coffee is a major global commodity, with an estimated 164 million bags produced in 2021. However, the price of coffee is subject to a wide range of political risks that can have a significant impact on the supply and demand of this beloved beverage. As many of you are acutely aware, most exchange-traded commodities have been in flux over the past 36 months, going from events of March 2020 and the invasion of Ukraine in March of 2022.  One of the most significant political risks in the coffee industry is the risk of conflict and instability in producing countries. Coffee is...

Coffee has become a ubiquitous part of American culture, and it's hard to imagine starting the day without a cup of joe. However, coffee wasn't always the beverage of choice for Americans, and its popularity grew during the American frontier period. The American frontier period, which began in the late 18th century and lasted until the mid-19th century, was a time of expansion, migration, and exploration. The pioneers who settled the frontier faced harsh conditions, and coffee quickly became a staple of their daily lives. The significance of coffee on the American frontier cannot be overstated, as it played an...

Coffee is one of the world's most popular beverages, and for many farmers, it's also a major source of income. However, traditional coffee farming methods often involve intensive use of pesticides, fertilizers, and water, which can have negative impacts on the environment and human health. In recent years, innovative farming practices have emerged that seek to mitigate these impacts and improve the sustainability of coffee farming. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most promising new farming practices in coffee. Agroforestry Agroforestry is a farming practice that involves growing crops alongside trees. In coffee farming, this often means...

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and the way it's processed plays a significant role in determining its flavor, aroma, and body. In this post, we'll discuss the most popular types of coffee processing.     Washed Coffee Processing: The most common method used in specialty coffee production is washed coffee processing. The freshly harvested coffee cherries are sorted, washed, and fermented, leaving behind the coffee bean. The beans are then washed again, dried, and sorted, resulting in a clean, bright, and acidic coffee with a floral aroma.         Natural Coffee Processing: The...

The Chemex coffee maker was invented in 1941 by a German chemist named Peter Schlumbohm. Schlumbohm was inspired by the Bauhaus movement, which emphasized functional, minimalist design. He wanted to create a coffee maker that was both beautiful and practical. The design of the Chemex is simple yet elegant. It consists of a glass vessel with a narrow neck and a wooden collar tied around the middle with a leather cord. The glass is thicker than that of most coffee makers, which helps to retain heat and prevent breakage. The Chemex uses a special filter that is thicker and more...

Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, but it was the Arabs who first introduced it to the world and began trading it in the 15th century. From the Arab world, coffee spread to Turkey and the Ottoman Empire, where it became a popular drink in coffeehouses. In the 16th century, the Venetians were the first Europeans to encounter coffee when they traded with the Ottomans. Coffee soon became a popular drink in Venice, and the first European coffeehouse was opened in the city in 1645. Coffee then spread to other parts of Europe, including France, England, and the Netherlands. The...

Coffee varietal refers to the specific type of coffee plant or cultivar from which the coffee beans are harvested. The varietal of the coffee plant plays a significant role in determining the taste and quality of the coffee. Different coffee varietals have unique characteristics that affect the flavor, aroma, and body of the coffee. For example, the Bourbon varietal is known for its sweetness and fruity notes, while the Typica varietal has a more balanced flavor profile. The Catuai varietal is often associated with a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, while the Geisha varietal is famous for its floral and tea-like...