The GROU Journal
Stories from coffee, work and local impact.
Notes on specialty coffee, our community and life in Coral Gables.
Are Coffee Grounds Good for Plants? What Actually Works
Used coffee grounds can support compost and soil in moderation. Learn what they do, what can harm plants and how to use them responsibly.
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Café con Leche vs Latte: What’s the Difference?
Both combine coffee and milk, but café con leche and latte come from different traditions and differ in coffee base, texture, balance and occasion.
Does Decaf Coffee Have Caffeine? Decaf vs Regular Coffee
Decaf is not completely caffeine-free. Learn how much caffeine it usually contains, how it is made and how flavor compares with regular coffee.
How to Store Coffee Beans So They Stay Fresh Longer
Protect coffee beans from air, heat, light and moisture with a simple storage routine, and learn when freezing makes sense.
Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A Barista Guide for Every Brewing Method
A practical guide to measuring coffee and water for pour-over, drip, French press, cold brew and espresso, then adjusting the recipe to your taste.
Coffee Grind Size Guide: From Espresso to French Press
Match grind size to espresso, pour-over, drip, French press and cold brew, then learn how to adjust by brew time and taste.
French Press vs Pour Over: Which Brewing Method Is Right for You?
Compare French press and pour-over by flavor, texture, grind, equipment and cleanup, then choose the method that fits your coffee routine.
Light Roast vs Dark Roast: Flavor, Caffeine and Which One to Choose
Light and dark roast are not measures of quality or strength. Compare flavor, acidity, bitterness and caffeine so you can choose with confidence.
Arabica vs Robusta: What You’re Really Tasting in the Cup
Understand how Arabica and Robusta differ in flavor, caffeine, growing conditions and use, without treating either species as a shortcut for quality.
Washed vs Natural Coffee: How Processing Changes Flavor
Washed and natural describe what happens after coffee cherries are picked. Learn how each process works and what it can change in the cup.
What Is a Cortadito? Miami's Coffee, Explained
A cortadito is Cuban espresso cut with steamed milk and sweetened as it brews. The sugar is the part everyone gets wrong.
Dog Friendly Coffee Shops in Coral Gables and Miami
Twelve dog friendly patios in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, plus the part most lists skip: dog friendly means the patio, and how you reach that patio is written into Florida law.
Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino: The Only Guide You Need
Most people order by size. The real difference between these drinks is how the milk is textured and how much of it there is.