As National Coffee Day approaches on September 29, coffee lovers across the country are celebrating. According to a study commissioned by the National Coffee Association, 64% of Americans drink a cup of coffee every day. With over half of Americans saying yes to coffee each day, how much do they truly know about what’s in their mug? 

“Coffee’s main attributes are bitterness, acidity and body, also known as mouth-feel,” says University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences professor, Ronald Pegg, “The key is to get these three attributes in balance.” Pegg researches how coffee is made, how to properly sip and evaluate coffee based on acidity, degree of roast and flavor. 

A day in one of Pegg’s campus classes on may involve a field trip to local coffee shops where students learn about five different coffees from around the world. “I attempt to instill in my students the desire for lifelong learning and the realization that the knowledge base of their profession is not static—rather, it is dynamic,” Pegg said. 

His passion for unique learning and teaching styles earned him recognition by the University and his students. That passion also lead him to teach in UGA’s online Master of Food Technology. This year he was named Josiah Meigs Teaching Professor and he’s been voted UGA Outstanding Undergraduate Faculty of the Year or Graduate Faculty of the Year six times. In 2013, Pegg won the Richard B. Russell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, becoming the first faculty member in his department to win the honor.

“For more than a decade, Dr. Pegg has been able to maintain the same enthusiasm for teaching that he had when he started at UGA,” said Josef Broder, CAES associate dean of academic affairs. “His work is one reason why food science graduates from the University of Georgia are sought-after by industry leaders and research institutions the world over.”

Interested in learning from Ron Pegg as well as other researchers and industry experts in food technology? Visit UGA’s online Master of Food Technology page to learn how. 

Celebrating with Free Coffee

National chain Krispy Kreme is celebrating National Coffee Day by offering a free coffee and donuts to customers while supplies last, and you can visit your local Dunkin’ for buy one get one free on hot coffee. 

Find other deals on coffee at: 

• Godiva
• Le Pain Quotidien
• Peet’s
• 7-Eleven
• And more!