Frequently Asked Coffee Questions
What is coffee made from?
Coffee is made from roasted seeds (beans) of the Coffea plant, typically Arabica or Robusta species.
What are the different types of coffee beans?
Arabica are smooth, sweet, slightly acidic. Higher quality, more expensive. Robusta are strong, bitter, more caffeine. Hardier and cheaper. Lesser-known are Liberica and Excelsa.
How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?
About 95 mg per 8 oz cup, but it ranges from 30–200 mg depending on brew and bean type.
Is coffee good or bad for you?
In moderation, it's mostly good: improves alertness, may reduce risk of some diseases. Excessive intake can cause anxiety, insomnia, or heart palpitations.
What’s the difference between espresso and regular coffee?
Espresso is brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. Regular (or better known as drip) coffee uses gravity and coarse grounds, yielding a milder, larger cup.
What’s the best way to make coffee at home?
It depends on your taste, check out our Brew Guide! Popular methods include:
Drip coffee: Easy and consistent.
French press: Bold and rich.
Pour-over: Clean and delicate.
Espresso machine: For espresso lovers.
What’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew is steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours. Smooth, less acidic. Iced coffee is regular hot coffee, cooled and poured over ice.
How do I use a French press / AeroPress / pour-over?
Check out our Brew Guide! French press: Add coarse coffee, hot water, steep ~4 min, press and pour. AeroPress: Add fine coffee, water, stir, steep ~1 min, then press. Pour-over: Pour hot water in circles over medium-fine coffee in a paper filter.
How much coffee should I use per cup?
Standard ratio: 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. Adjust to taste.
What grind size should I use for different brewing methods?
It depends on your taste, check out our Brew Guide! Popular methods include:
Coarse: French press, cold brew
Medium: Drip coffee, pour-over
Fine: Espresso, AeroPress
Extra fine: Turkish coffee
What’s the difference between a latte, cappuccino, and macchiato?
All are espresso based drinks. Latte is espresso and a lot of steamed milk plus light foam. Cappuccino is equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Macchiato is espresso with just a “mark” of milk foam.
What is a flat white?
Popular in Australia, this drink is similar to a latte, but with less milk and a velvety microfoam. More espresso-forward. It is created by pouring in the espresso shot at the same time as the steamed milk.
What’s the difference between a cortado and an espresso?
Espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee. Cortado is a drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk—which cuts the acidity and intensity of the espresso.
Can coffee help with weight loss or metabolism?
Caffeine can boost metabolism and fat burning slightly, but effects are modest and short-term.
Is decaf coffee healthier than regular coffee?
Not necessarily. It has less caffeine, which is better for some, but retains most of the same antioxidants. Decaf coffee is made through a process, called decaffeination, which involves using solvents, carbon dioxide, or the Swiss Water Process to extract caffeine from green coffee beans before they are roasted.
How many cups of coffee are safe to drink per day?
Up to 3–5 cups (400 mg caffeine) is considered safe for most adults.
Does coffee dehydrate you?
Not significantly. It has a mild diuretic effect, but moderate consumption still contributes to hydration.
Can you drink coffee while pregnant?
Consult your doctor, but generally limited to 200 mg of caffeine per day (about one 12-oz cup) is considered safe to consume while pregnant.
Where does coffee come from?
Coffee originated in Ethiopia. Today it's grown in tropical regions like Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.
What is fair trade coffee?
Coffee certified to ensure farmers are paid fairly, work under ethical conditions, and that sustainable farming practices are used. Listen to our podcast episode where we talk about sustainability practices and certifications!
What does "single-origin" coffee mean?
Coffee beans that come from one country, region, or farm, offering a unique flavor profile tied to its location. A blend refers to different beans from different countries, regions, or farms mixed together to form a cohesive flavor profile.
Why does coffee make you poop?
Caffeine stimulates gut contractions, and coffee (even decaf) may trigger the gastrocolic reflex.
Why does coffee sometimes taste bitter or sour?
Bitterness can come from over-roasted beans or an over-extracted brew. Sourness can come from under-extraction or light roast beans.
What’s the world’s most expensive coffee?
Kopi Luwak (from beans eaten and excreted by civets) or rare Geisha beans from Panama, costing hundreds of dollars per pound.
Why do some people get jittery from coffee while others don’t?
It depends on caffeine sensitivity, metabolism, and how much you’ve had. Genetics plays a role too.
Frequently Asked Capybara Questions
What is a capybara?
A capybara is the largest rodent in the world, native to South America. It's a semi-aquatic mammal known for its calm temperament and social nature.
Where do capybaras live?
Capybaras live in grassy wetlands, riverbanks, and forests across South America, especially in countries like Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia.
Are capybaras rodents?
Yes, they are rodents—the largest living rodent species. They belong to the same order as guinea pigs and beavers (Rodentia).
How big do capybaras get?
Adults can weigh between 77–146 pounds (35–66 kg) and grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length.
How long do capybaras live?
In the wild: 6–8 years. In captivity: up to 12 years.
Are capybaras friendly?
Yes, capybaras are very docile and tolerant, often forming gentle bonds with humans and other animals.
Why are capybaras so chill?
Their relaxed behavior comes from being highly social, non-territorial, and herbivorous, with few natural predators in safe environments.
Can capybaras live with other animals?
Yes, they're known to coexist peacefully with animals like dogs, cats, ducks, monkeys—even crocodiles (though that's not recommended).
Do capybaras make good pets?
They can, but only for experienced owners. They require lots of space, water access, a companion, and exotic animal care. Not ideal for most people.
Are capybaras social animals?
Extremely. They live in groups of 10–20, and loneliness can cause stress. They must be kept with other capybaras or social animals.
What do capybaras eat?
They're herbivores. Their diet includes grasses, aquatic plants, fruits, and vegetables. They also eat their own feces to help digest tough plant fibers (coprophagy).
Do capybaras need to be near water?
Yes. Capybaras are semi-aquatic and love to swim, cool off, and escape predators in water. A water source is essential for their health.
Are capybaras nocturnal?
No, they are crepuscular—most active during early morning and late afternoon—but can be active at any time.
How do capybaras communicate?
They use clicks, whistles, purrs, and barks to communicate, especially to warn of danger or express affection.
Do capybaras bite or show aggression?
Rarely. They're gentle, but may bite if threatened or cornered—especially males during mating season.
Why are capybaras popular on social media?
Their gentle personality, funny expressions, and ability to hang out with a variety of animals make them adorable internet icons. Speaking of which… follow us on social media!
Why do animals like capybaras?
Capybaras are non-aggressive, calm, and social, making them easy companions in shared habitats.
Can capybaras swim?
Yes! They're excellent swimmers, with webbed feet and can stay underwater for up to 5 minutes.
Do capybaras really sit in hot tubs?
Yes—especially in Japan, where capybaras in zoos enjoy hot spring baths (onsen) in the winter.
What is the capybara's scientific name?
Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
Can you legally own a capybara?
It depends on your location. Capybara ownership is legal in some U.S. states (like Texas and Pennsylvania) and illegal or restricted in others. Always check local laws.
How much does a capybara cost?
Buying one can cost $1,000 to $3,000 USD, not including habitat, fencing, water features, vet care, and permits.
Do capybaras need a lot of space?
Yes. They need a large, secure outdoor area, access to swimming water, and shelter. Urban homes or apartments are unsuitable.
Are capybaras dangerous to humans?
Generally no, but they can bite if stressed or improperly handled. They’re not aggressive but are still wild animals.
What are the biggest challenges of keeping a capybara?
Space and water requirements, legal and veterinary issues, their need for companionship, your specific zoning restrictions, expense and maintenance for a happy and healthy capybara. Overall it is not recommended to get a capybara as a domestic pet, but you can shop our capybara merch and taste our delicious capybara branded coffee! (No actual capybaras are involved in any aspect of our business aside from lending their cute image for our logo.)