Coffee culture refers to the set of social behaviors and traditions including beliefs, practices, language, values, and norms that surround coffee consumption. Generally, coffee has become part of daily life for many people around the globe. Most rely on coffee to wake them up, boost their energy levels, and stay focused throughout the day.
In addition, coffee gives people an opportunity to engage in conversations with friends through meetings at coffee shops. Many coffee shops have a relaxing environment with music performances and inviting decor to promote a conducive environment for meetings.
Not to mention, coffee shops continue to be venues for dates, where people can gather to read, write, talk, work and entertain one another. Coffee consumption varies from country to country and its effects on society, communities, and individuals remain. This article will discuss everything you need to know about coffee culture. Let’s get started.
Coffee Culture Definition
Coffee culture refers to the cultural and social patterns that surround the consumption of coffee. Consumption of coffee has created an opportunity for people to connect through social locations such as restaurants and coffee cafes. What’s more, coffee shops and cafes contain modern amenities such as free wifi and phone charging places that provide an environment where you can simply refresh and relax.
In recent years, coffee consumption is the preferred way for people to socialize and build relationships with their coworkers and other people. These types of meetings can help establish trust and understanding, enhance creativity, and improve communication among coworkers.
The Origin of Coffee
The origin of coffee is traced back to Ethiopia where it was first discovered by a goat herder known as Kaldi. Coffee was first cultivated by Muslim farmers, then it spread to Turkey, Arabia, and Yemen. The story behind the discovery of coffee goes that Kaldi discovered the beloved beans after he noticed that his goats became so energetic that they did not want to sleep at night after eating the berries from a certain tree.
Kaldi told his findings to the local monastery who prepared the drink with berries and discovered that it helped him stay alert through the long hours of the evening prayer. The monk shared the findings with other monks at the monastery and the knowledge of coffee began to spread. The word moved East and reached the Arabian Peninsula. There are many things to learn about coffee culture including the types of coffee beans, where to find them, how to brew coffee, and much more.
Basically, there are two main types of coffee beans. These are Arabica and Robusta beans. Arabica coffee beans are popular for milder flavors and light roasts while Robusta beans are popular for strong flavors and dark roasts. The coffee brewing culture has improved throughout the years and the process has become more convenient and fast. Historically, it took longer to brew coffee since the water had to dissolve through the grounds using gravity multiple times. Today, one can make coffee within minutes.
Cultural Impacts of Coffee
Every country has its norms and rituals regarding coffee consumption. Most people have ritualized drinking of coffee, which makes it hard for them to live without it. For most people, coffee is part of their breakfast morning routine since it helps them stay awake and boosts their energy levels. An average coffee drinker enjoys their coffee with either sugar or cream.
Coffee culture for an average American involves preparing a strong cup of coffee for breakfast and adding sugar, cream, and milk to their liking. On the other hand, an average Brazilian coffee culture involves drinking coffee in shots rather than in a cup and with sweet condensed milk without the sugar and other coffee flavorings.
In Turkey, people add a pungent spice such as cinnamon while grinding their coffee beans as part of their coffee culture. Alternatively, they boil whole spices with strong coffee and allow the seeds to float on the top of the coffee when served. Turkish coffee’s level of bitterness ranges from bitter to sweet and the coffee is served without sugar.
Apart from coffee drinking culture, other cultural practices determine how people consume coffee in different countries such as coffee preparation and the equipment used. For example, Italians use special brewing equipment known as a Moka pot to brew their espresso as it was traditionally brewed. In Japan, brewing equipment such as a Chemex and coffee dripper are used to brew coffee.
Coffee culture has also impacted families in different ways. You’ll find that different families have developed certain traditions regarding the consumption of coffee. Participating in such cultures shows that you’re committed to your family traditions, values, as well as upbringing.
Coffee Culture in America
Coffee culture in America has grown tremendously as a result of the many coffee shops and cafes in the region. Approximately, 64% of Americans drink coffee every day. Usually, Americans drink more than 400 million cups of coffee every day. They drink coffee as part of their morning routine to wake them up and boost their energy levels. The most famous coffee chains in America include Starbucks, Tea Leaf, Coffee Bean, and Dunkin Donuts.
The Italian Coffee Culture
Italians have adopted morning coffee as part of their culture. However, the real Italian tradition involves drinking coffee in the afternoon. Italians’ coffee culture dates back to the end of the 16 century when Arabs introduced espresso coffee into Sicily. Different countries have different traditions, especially on coffee preparations and how they drink it.
The Italian post-dinner coffee culture spread widely in mid-19 century and is still practiced to date. The tradition involves the preparation of espresso with strong coffee. The drink is served in its concentrated form and while hot. A glass of wine (red wine or white wine) accompanies this beverage.
On the other hand, the Italian post-lunch coffee culture involves serving coffee after lunch or dinner with a small dessert. This culture was popularized in the mid-19th century by the Italians. The beverage is prepared using special equipment known as a Moka Pot. The ingredients used include strong coffee, water, and sugar. The post-lunch Italian coffee culture is mostly practiced in Northern Italy where large factories are located. This way Italians have an after-lunch espresso break before going back to work.
The third Italian coffee culture is the breakfast espresso culture that takes place at home or work. The breakfast espresso is prepared using an espresso pot known as a “Fonte”. The beverage is served either in black or with milk. The breakfast Italian culture is especially popular in Northernmost Italy and in the United States where Italian immigrants have introduced it.
Conclusion
Coffee culture has impacted different parts of the world in different ways. The number of coffee shops in the world continues to grow as more people discover different ways to consume this tasty beverage. In some countries, drinking coffee brings families together, while in others, drinking coffee is part of their morning routine. Not to mention, some consider having coffee an important factor in daily functioning, while others consider morning coffee lazy. No matter what your coffee culture is, coffee will always be appreciated by different people in different ways. Most coffee lovers have found a way to enjoy good quality coffee.
