International Coffee Day was last week, so in honor of it lets talk a little bit about Coffee. Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up; it’s a global ritual, a social connector, and a craft deeply rooted in tradition and innovation. From the rich plantations of Colombia to the small artisanal coffee shops in bustling cities, coffee has taken on many forms and meanings throughout its history.
Do you remember when you started drinking coffee? Santa and I were Christmas shopping, the beautiful Christmas music was playing, the smell of coffee was so yummy, It was a perfect way to be introduced to coffee drinking.
Coffee is predominantly grown in the “Coffee Belt,” which spans across regions near the equator in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and more. There are two main types of coffee beans:
- Arabica: Known for its smooth, sweet taste, Arabica is considered higher quality and accounts for around 60% of the world’s coffee production.
- Robusta: With a stronger, more bitter flavor, Robusta beans are hardier and typically used in instant coffee or espresso blends due to their higher caffeine content.
Each region imparts its own unique flavor profile to the coffee, influenced by factors like altitude, soil composition, and climate. Ethiopian coffee, for example, is known for its bright, fruity notes, while coffee from Sumatra is often described as earthy and rich.
What is your favorite type and way to drink coffee? I love to add just a hint of Hersey’s cocoa along with my sugar and cream.
