International Coffee Day is an event that cannot go unnoticed. This date brings the world together in a common passion for the dark and aromatic drink that has the magical power to wake us up and pamper us during our days. In Italy, coffee is a serious matter. It is much more than a simple drink, it is a ritual, it is an act full of meanings depending on the context.
The history of coffee
The history of coffee begins with a distant legend that has its roots in ancient Ethiopia. It is said that a young shepherd, noticing that his goats became extremely lively after grazing on the fruits of an unknown plant, decided to taste them too. The shepherd's discovery was just the beginning. Monks in ancient Ethiopian religious communities began using coffee to stay awake during their long prayer sessions. Quickly, the practice of drinking coffee slowly spread throughout the Arab world. Coffee shops became places of meeting and discussion, similar to modern bars and these places became the beating heart of social and cultural life, with coffee at the center of debates and speeches. In the XNUMXth century, coffee began to spread to Europe and soon, European coffeehouses became meeting points for writers, intellectuals and traders.
Today, coffee is one of the most consumed drinks in the world. There are many coffee shop chains, they are widespread and offer a wide range of options. Coffee is also at the center of an ever-evolving culture, embracing art, sustainability and innovation. Plus, baristas around the world transform coffee into true works of art, creating steamed milk designs that look too beautiful to drink. But we drink it anyway. Regardless of your personal preferences, whether they are for a strong Italian espresso, a refreshing Americano or perhaps a steaming cup of latte with a touch of cinnamon, we all share a common passion for this extraordinary beverage.
Curiosities about coffee
Why is it called “espresso”? The word espresso comes from Italian and means “forced”. In fact, espresso coffee is obtained by forcing the passage of very hot, high-pressure water through the ground and compacted coffee.
What is the ideal time to drink coffee? According to chrono-pharmacology and neuroscience, the best time of day to consume caffeine is between 9:30 and 11:30 in the morning.
Who drinks the most? The country where the most coffee is consumed is Finland...Italy is only in twelfth place in the ranking.
Happy International Coffee Day!
