The Craft and Science of Coffee

The Craft and Science of Coffee follows the coffee plant from its origins in East Africa to its current role as a global product that influences millions of lives through sustainable development, economics, and consumer desire.

For most, coffee is a beloved beverage. However, for some it is also an object of scientific study, and for others it is approached as a craft, both building on skills and experience. By combining the research and insights of the scientific community and the expertise of the craftspeople, this unique book brings readers into a sustained and inclusive conversation, one where academic and industrial thought leaders, coffee farmers, and baristas are quoted, each informing and enriching each other.

This unusual approach guides the reader on a journey from coffee farmer to roaster, market analyst to barista, in a style that is both rigorous and experience-based, universally relevant and personally engaging. From on-farming processes to consumer benefits, the reader is given a deeper appreciation and understanding of coffee's complexity and is invited to form their own educated opinions on the ever-changing situation, including potential routes to further shape the coffee future in a responsible manner.

- Presents a novel synthesis of coffee research and real-world experience that aids understanding, appreciation, and potential action

- Includes contributions from a multitude of experts who address complex subjects with a conversational approach

- Provides expert discourse on the coffee value chain, from agricultural and production practices, sustainability, post-harvest processing, and quality aspects to the economic analysis of the consumer value proposition

- Engages with the key challenges of future coffee production and potential solutions