Spill the Beans (Updated Version): Global Coffee Culture and Recipes

A caffeinated tour that unveils the richness of coffee culture, the history of beans, stories, and recipes from around the world.

Coffee is the world’s cup. Over 2.25 billion are brewed, sipped, and savored on a daily basis. A loyal companion and energetic facilitator of the everyday, coffee has sprouted an entire cafe culture and a booming industry. While the caffeine fix is hard to ignore, this beloved hot drink holds a rich and diverse history that sinks deeper than the bottom of the cup.

Penned by expert journalist Lani Kingston, Spill the Beans takes the reader on a journey through Ethiopia, Guatemala, Vietnam, and many other countries in between, exploring the myriad ways in which coffee is produced, traded, and enjoyed. Hipster baristas may be dreaming up the next seasonal latte at this very moment, but the story of how the humble bean became a global icon is ingrained in history.

An essential title for armchair travelers, curious foodies, and cafe-hoppers alike, Spill the Beans demonstrates that there’s a vast world of coffee beyond the ubiquitous flat white. This book is an ‘extra hot’ commodity, maybe it is time to sample it?

Lani Kingston is a food writer and consultant. She holds Masters degrees in Food Studies and Education, along with barista and pastry chef qualifications. Her first book, How To Make Coffee, is available in several languages. This is her third book on coffee, and the first to be published by gestalten.