BoingBoingTV debuted a series this week where they send their coffee correspondent and barista champion Kyle Granville far and wide to track down the best beans. In this inaugural episode, he visits the Fazenda Conquista plantation in Minas Gerais, Brazil, one of the largest coffee plants in the country. With the help of super-cool agro-gadgets, the coffee beans grow, but the most interesting part of all: the cherry-like fruit that encases the bean. Did most coffee drinkers know about this edible guy? It turns bright red when beans are ready to pick. Watch the informative video, after the jump.... More

They don't look new and different, but apparently the straw slits on the lids went through renovations. Now straws don't really fit through them! According to B-Side Blog, "you'll have to remove it and pry open a hole." Lid fail.... More

If you're in Phoenix, Arizona, "Yes." If you're in Berwick, Maine, "No—Try it hot." Enter your zip code at Is It Iced Coffee Weather? to find out. (Or go outside.) [via Eater]... More

If you ladies wear thick-framed glasses, read books by fireplaces, or know of exotic-sounding countries, then you're not part of the target audience for McDonald's new McCafé drinks. Basically a caricature for politically enlightened, well-read women, the two in this ad admit they don't really know where Paraguay is—ergo, they must want their coffee from McWorld. If you're sick of the chi-chi smart people café vibe, and of hiding your knees, then get on over to McDonald's! Because apparently they like you in your short dress, without a high school degree! The ad, after the jump, along with another making poseurs of the male coffeehouse crowd.... More

For any teachers who have started dozing during storytime: Mondays in September, that can stop. For free! Starbucks will provide teachers (grades K-12) one freebie tall (12 ounces) of Pike Place Roast or House Blend as a back-to-school welcome. Just show your school badge or another form of identification. [via Eater LA]... More

Starbucks is trying out its new Clover brewing system in Beantown. The Clover is the $11,000 coffee machine that uses vacuum-press technology and computerized brewing cycles custom-calibrated to bean type to make single-pour cups of joe. The machine is lauded by coffee geeks, who say it brings out subtle flavors that are masked by conventional brewing methods. The Boston Globe says about 30 Starbucks locations in the Boston area will get the units for testing, debuting there September 9. It's of particular interest to the company to test in Boston, as the city is rival Dunkin' Donuts' home turf. Clovers debuted yesterday in Seattle and will also appear in San Francisco on an unspecified date. But you don't have to... More

If Starbucks and Staples got married, they might birth this latte printer machine. Recently featured at a graphics trade show in Los Angeles, the OnLatte repurposes your standard inkjet printer to use caramel syrup instead of ink. Nothing says good coffee like a foamy recreation of the winged Pegasus. [via the Kitchn]... More

This two-kilowatt laser-powered water heater—good for making instant coffee and tea—may not be practical, but it gets the job done. Do you taste that unearthly bright glow? It's science! And science is delicious! Watch the video after the jump.... More

Photograph from journeyscoffee on Flickr Last Saturday, Serious Eats member EtherMaiden asked, "What makes a good barista?" Cafe owner and barista ChelleyD01 gave this informative reply: A good barista knows their customers drinks when they walk through the door. They know when milk is to temp without having to use a thermometer. They know that fresh, cold milk will bring good volume and best taste every single time rather than dank, reheated milk over and over again. They know that many steaming pitchers are needed as when flavor syrups are steamed WITH the milk, as opposed to being added cold, it brings a better flavor to the drink. They know that good, freshly ground beans are amazing and will... More

Photograph by Robyn Lee In the New York Times recently, Jane Brody reported on the recent findings of a study by Center for Science in the Public Interest on the potential harm and benefits of caffeine consumption. The good news: Caffeine can enhance your mood and your mental and physical performance. Not exactly big news. But here are some more interesting findings: Drinking caffeinated coffee might decrease your risk for Parkinson's diseaseDrinking 4 to 6 cups of regular or decaf coffee a day might lower your risk of contracting Type 2 diabetesCaffeine does not make you pee moreCaffeine does not increase the risk of heart attackCaffeine does not contribute much to hypertension developmentCaffeine does not cause pancreatic, kidney, liver,... More