International Coffee Day
Attention, coffee enthusiasts! The time has come to raise your mugs in unison as International Coffee Day graces us on October 1st. This is the ultimate day to indulge in and honor the rich, aromatic beverage that fuels our days and warms our hearts. Whether you prefer your coffee bold and black, sweet and creamy, or spiced and frothy, this day is dedicated to celebrating the diverse ways coffee is enjoyed across the globe.
If you're still buzzing with excitement from National Coffee Day on September 29, why not extend the celebration? International Coffee Day offers the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow coffee lovers worldwide, exchange your favorite brews, and explore the fascinating cultures that revolve around this beloved drink. So, let’s come together, share our passion, and toast to the magic of coffee!
History of Coffee
The history and richness of coffee date back centuries, one of which is the legend of Ethiopia in the 9th century.
It is said that coffee had its origins in Ethiopia and if legends are to be believed, it is said that a goat herder named Kaldi was the first to discover coffee beans when his goats started acting strangely after feeding on little berries.
This made him curious, and he tried the berries for himself, where he too felt the effects owing to the caffeine content.
He then shared this discovery with a local monk, and they started making a drink from the berries which led to the early creation of coffee as a beverage.
Coffee cultivation and its trade are credited to the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen to be precise, where coffee was being harvested and sold in the port city of Mocha by the 15th century.
As coffee houses began to emerge, they quickly gained popularity as vibrant social hubs where people gathered for lively conversations, music, and intellectual discussions.
Over time, the coffee trade extended its reach to encompass various regions across the Arabian Peninsula and the broader Middle East.
The journey of coffee continued as it reached Europe in the 16th century via merchants and travelers from the Middle East.
European coffee houses, influenced by those in the Middle East became vastly popular in cities like Paris, London, and Vienna.
These coffee houses served as centers of intellectual exchange and debate, further solidifying coffee's place in European culture.
During the 17th century, coffee found its way to the Americas through diverse routes, including the Dutch who introduced coffee cultivation in their colony of Java (Indonesia).
Subsequently, coffee production expanded to other Dutch colonies in the Caribbean and South America. This development marked the rise of coffee as a significant commodity in the realm of international trade.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, coffee plantations flourished in the Caribbean, Central, and South America. Industrialization in the 19th century improved coffee production and distribution, making it accessible to diverse social classes.
In the modern era, coffee's popularity has surged, becoming one of the most traded commodities globally. Coffee chains and instant coffee have greatly contributed to its widespread accessibility and enjoyment, making it an integral part of cultures, economies, and social connections worldwide. Its enduring allure continues to unite people through their shared love for this invigorating beverage.
The first International Coffee Day was on October 1, 2015. Coffee lovers, roasters, and cafés use this day to promote fair practices and recognize the hard work of the farmers who produce and process coffee from across the world.
Types of Coffee
Coffee, as we know it, is the result of processing and roasting the seeds, also known as raw or green coffee, from a coffee cherry. Each coffee plant can live up to 100 years and produces on average 10 pounds (4.54 kg) of coffee cherries per year.
There are two main types of coffee plants:
- robusta: Vietnam and Indonesia are among the top producers to grow the robusta variety.
- arabica. South America and Africa are amongst the largest producers of arabica coffee, with Brazil growing more than any other country.
The Craze of Coffee Today
Nowadays, you can find a coffee shop on almost every corner, be it a Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, serving espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, filter coffee, and more including decaf and iced drinks.
Some coffee shops might have special deals or even offer free coffee in celebration of the day.
Recent years have seen a rise in local, independent coffee shops specializing in the craft with a true commitment to quality, sustainability, and transparency.
Most serve only Third Wave, or Specialty coffee, which is arabica coffee that has been awarded a score of 80 or above by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
The SCA set the standards for specialty coffee across the world.
Many baristas view creating latte art and a perfectly balanced cup as an art form, similar to the complexity found in the world of fine wine. Coffee offers various tasting notes depending on the origin and variety of the beans.
The flavor profiles of coffee from Ethiopia or Kenya can vary greatly compared to that of South American coffee from Brazil or Guatemala.
Coffee professionals use a tasting process called 'cupping' to detect the different characteristics of a coffee.
Coffee is loved and enjoyed worldwide n many cultures. From Milan to San Francisco, various expos and events are held worldwide to celebrate coffee and educate those thirsty to learn more.
How to Celebrate International Coffee Day
There's no better way to celebrate International Coffee Day than enjoying your favorite coffee beverage! Whether that be a coffee with friends in your local café, or simply taking the time to chill and enjoy your coffee ritual at home.
If you usually stick to the same type of coffee preparation, use this day to appreciate other methods and discover some of the many ways of brewing coffee.
Some coffee shops and coffee roasters offer courses, so why not try broadening your coffee knowledge and trying your hand at a Chemex or V60 pour-over, or an immersion method such as the Aero Press? Who knows, you might even find a new favorite way of making coffee!
If you still did not have enough coffee knowledge, check out National Coffee Day.
