

The Science of Coffee
James Harper
The Science of Coffee is a journey into coffee’s hidden microscopic secrets to help you make even better coffee at home.
Documentary maker and coffee professional James Harper travels the world and speaks with leading coffee scientists to help you appreciate coffee more deeply.
You are going to get taken into the science of water, coffee extraction, plant genetics, espresso technology, latte foam, sonic seasoning, our sense of taste and smell, organic farming, roasting, grinding and freshness, and how to think like a scientist.
Press the Subscribe button so you don’t miss future episodes!
The Science of Coffee is a spin-off series from James Harper’s documentary podcast Filter Stories.
Follow James on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Mlkk0O
Listen to Filter Stories: https://bit.ly/3ajoT5
Documentary maker and coffee professional James Harper travels the world and speaks with leading coffee scientists to help you appreciate coffee more deeply.
You are going to get taken into the science of water, coffee extraction, plant genetics, espresso technology, latte foam, sonic seasoning, our sense of taste and smell, organic farming, roasting, grinding and freshness, and how to think like a scientist.
Press the Subscribe button so you don’t miss future episodes!
The Science of Coffee is a spin-off series from James Harper’s documentary podcast Filter Stories.
Follow James on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Mlkk0O
Listen to Filter Stories: https://bit.ly/3ajoT5
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
May 19, 2025 • 29min
The hard business of selling beautiful coffee, part 1
Discover the fascinating world of specialty coffee farming in Brazil, where tradition meets innovation. Hear the story of a former mining consultant battling the challenges of the coffee market at Fazenda Paraíso. Explore the transformative journey from bulk sales to crafting unique flavors. Learn about the struggles of farmers like Vicente, who aim for fair compensation while navigating market fluctuations. This is a deep dive into the personal stories and hidden realities behind the coffee beans we cherish.

35 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 52min
The Speed of Heat: How to roast more coffee, faster!
Discover the fascinating world of coffee roasting as technology takes center stage. Explore the revolutionary heat transfer methods allowing for lightning-fast roasting that rivals traditional techniques. Delve into the experience of testing an industrial tangential roaster and witness the colossal whale-sized machine breaking records. With a blend of innovation and flavor experimentation, the podcast highlights why not everyone is roasting at breakneck speeds despite the available technology.

Mar 10, 2025 • 48min
Coffee Roasting: How baby plant food transforms into delicious coffee flavours
Delve into the fascinating transformation of coffee from seed to your cup. Discover the intricate role of amino acids and sugars in shaping flavors. Witness the Maillard reaction, where heat sparks a chain reaction turning nutrients into delightful aromas. Enjoy a vibrant discussion on the science behind coffee roasting and its community impact. Plus, get a sneak peek into future topics, including coffee supply chains and cold brew techniques!

17 snips
Feb 16, 2025 • 47min
Fruit juice or creamy almonds? Your guide to controlling cold brew flavors
Discover the fascinating science of cold brew coffee, where water and coffee interact in unique ways. Learn how to transform your brews from fruity to nutty with specific brewing techniques. Delve into the distinct flavor profiles of different bean origins, like Brazilian and Kenyan. Get expert tips on brewing cold brew at home, including the right ratios and equipment to use. This discussion reveals the complexities behind crafting a perfect cup, making cold brew an art form all its own.

11 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 45min
Hot vs Cold: The science behind temperature and taste
Discover the striking flavor differences between cold brew and traditional hot coffee. A personal journey reveals how cold brewing can unlock floral notes that hot methods miss. Experts explain the science behind why certain flavors shine in lower temperatures while bitterness fades. Misconceptions are debunked as listeners explore the unique characteristics of cold brew, its complex brewing techniques, and the importance of aroma in flavor perception. Join the conversation about the magical transformation that temperature brings to every cup.

Jan 27, 2025 • 2min
Introducing: Season 3 of The Science of Coffee
We’re back with another series of The Science of Coffee—and this time we’re diving even deeper into coffee’s hidden microscopic secrets!
Over the past year, narrative audio producer and coffee professional James Harper has scoured academic journals, ventured deep into coffee farms, and conducted bold tasting experiments.
Now, he’s weaving those discoveries into captivating audio stories that reveal why coffee tastes the way it does—and how we can make it taste even better.
In this new series, you’ll learn about cold brew extraction science, explore innovations in roasting, and follow the shifting business models that shape farmers’ livelihoods. You’ll also take a journey through commodity vs. specialty supply chains and examine the historical, sociological, and philosophical perspectives that define what “specialty coffee” truly means.
Press the “Subscribe” button so you don’t miss an episode!
https://bit.ly/3TdDnHO
For more coffee science and behind-the-scenes content, follow James on Instagram @filterstoriespodcast.
https://bit.ly/2Mlkk0O
The Science of Coffee is a spin-off series from James Harper’s documentary podcast, Filter Stories.
https://bit.ly/3ajoT5e
Season 3 is made possible by these leading coffee organizations:
The Coffee Quest | BWT | TODDY | Algrano | Probat
How does Perfect Moose detect what kind of milk is in the pitcher? Click here to find out.
Join me at World of Coffee Dubai, 18-20 January. Grab your tickets here.
What does the Marco MilkPal look like to you? WALL-E? Something Steve Jobs would be proud of? Check it out here.

May 6, 2024 • 47min
Freshness and Grinding, Part 2: How grinders work deep inside
Take a deep dive into the world of coffee grinders, where tiny changes can create massive flavor differences. Explore the importance of particle sizes on taste, comparing high-end vs. budget grinders. Learn the delicate balance needed for optimal flavor extraction and the significance of consistency for a great cup of coffee.

Apr 22, 2024 • 50min
Freshness and Grinding, Part 1: Protecting your coffee’s flavours
Delve into the science of coffee freshness and grinding in this podcast. Discover how diffusion and oxidation affect flavors. Learn to store coffee grounds for optimal freshness. Explore blind taste tests and the mystery of coffee aging. Uncover strategies to preserve coffee freshness and challenge the belief that fresher coffee is always better.

Apr 8, 2024 • 47min
What Is Good Science? Part 2: How to think like a scientist
Explore the world of coffee brewing and the impact of scientific thinking. Dive into the controversy of coffee slurping and its effect on flavor. Discover the importance of good evidence in coffee theories and experiments. Learn about the role of water in enhancing coffee flavor profiles, with a focus on magnesium. Delve into the complexities of water chemistry and its influence on coffee taste.

Mar 25, 2024 • 46min
What Is Good Science? Part 1: How to brew coffee like a scientist
Debunking the filter paper rinsing myth in coffee brewing with a scientific approach. Exploring sensory science methodologies and biases in evaluating coffee tastes. Reflecting on consumer perception, Cup Tasters Championship, and challenges of consistent coffee brewing. Delving into scientific precision in coffee brewing experiments and improving testing parameters for statistical reliability.


