Coffee, normally taken hot, is made from the coffee plant’s roasted seeds, called coffee beans. Considered the second-most traded commodity in the world, next to petroleum, it is hailed as modern man’s chief source of caffeine for that extra burst of energy. The perceived benefits and hazards of this potent drink remain the subject of debate among coffee drinkers worldwide.
How did the word “coffee” come into being? The term “coffee” is known by many names among various peoples of the world. It came to England in 1598, via the Italian “caffe.” The Turkish term for it is “kahveh,” while the Arabic word for it is “qahwa.” Its origin is still unknown, although some believe that the drink possibly came from the Kaffa region in Ethopia, where the plant originally named “bunna,” the precursor of coffee, came from.
Did you know that coffee drinking was outlawed in Mecca in 1511, and in Cairo in 1532? Due to coffee’s immense popularity, the law was made obsolete soon after. From then on, owing to the pioneering efforts of the British and Dutch East India companies, coffee found its way to Europe in the sixteenth century.
One of the two main species of the coffee plant is “Coffea Arabica,” its name implying that its origin was the Arabian Peninsula, but it is indigenous in Ethiopia. Although Arabica is more prone to disease, coffee lovers consider it to be more flavorful than “coffea canephora” (robusta), which holds twice as much caffeine. However, the later is proven to be a natural insecticide and stimulant, growing in places where the former cannot grow. Thus, it is used as an inexpensive substitute for Arabica in commercial coffee blends and in almost all instant coffee products.
Compared to Arabica, robusta is more bitter, with a burnt-rubber smell and taste. Robusta of finer quality are used in espresso blends for a foamy effect and for better affordability. In fact, Italian espresso blends are made from dark-roasted Robusta.
Some blend varieties are so popular and in demand that they command a higher price, examples of which are the Jamaican Blue Mountain and the Hawaiian Kona coffees. Often, these beans are mixed with other, less-expensive varieties and the term blend is added to the label, such as “Blue Mountain Blend” or “Kona Blend”.
So beat those morning blues with an adrenaline-pumping sip of this favorite drink among caffeine addicts worldwide. Oh and that includes me too! LOL
Consider going into business for yourself with the second-most traded commodity in the world here.
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7 comments:
bronzilla here is some more coffee history. can you believe coffee beats out beer. lol love your post and coffee. do you have a good cappuccino recipe i use instant mix to put in my coffee, but i would like a home brew if i had a recipe. thank you and god bless
Hello Bronzilla -
You're probably not going to believe me here but I've tasted coffee only 2 times in my life. I had a sip when I was in high school and another sip when I was in college. For my tastes, it is so unpleasant I almost lose my stomach. However, I do like the aroma of the smell in a kitchen. :)
https://charlienitric.wordpress.com/
http://www.sfcityguides.org/public_guidelines.html?article=595&submitted=TRUE&srch_text=&submitted2=&topic=Food sorry forgot to paste the link
I first tasted coffee when I was down in Costa Rica visiting my brother who lived there at the time. My mom was so impressed with the local coffee she insisted I try it. It was strong but really good, though it took a little getting used to and I liked to add a little sugar to it. On the flight home I asked for a cup and was happy with it, so I asked for another and got good old-fashioned American coffee. Eewww Not only could you see the bottom of the teacup they used, it was just plain nasty. Seems Costa Rica exports their 'good' beans. My brother would supply us with local beans whenever he could but he could never send much, export duties were expensive I guess. It was YEARS before I started drinking coffee after that.
More interesting tidbits :) My family drank instant growing up and that was my first exposure to coffee. In the military I became hooked on coffee as it's a necessary to stay warm and awake during late night missions. I've come a long way since those days and often feel snobbish about my coffee. Nice post!!
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Ok, Roy I will post a good cappuccino recipe for you soon.
Bjbohis you just have not had good coffee yet. Everyone do not know how to fix a good cup of coffee.
Anna I was four when I first tasted coffee. I thought it was hot chocolate and I did not like it then. Then one night I was cramming for finals in college and my mom made me a cup and I have been drinking it since.
Instant coffee is good on the fly and you poor thing I hope it was good coffee in the service. And yes do be picky about how, who and what is your coffee. It is all about the taste and quality of the bean.
Thanks all, love your comments. Keep em coming!
David, Instant coffee is good on the fly and you poor thing I hope it was good coffee in the service. And yes do be picky about how, who and what is your coffee. It is all about the taste and quality of the bean.
Thanks all, love your comments. Keep em coming!
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