That tantalizing aroma seeps into your senses as you slowly place your lips
to the edge of the cup. You stop, inhale deeply, blow delicately to cool the
warm liquid and absorb the energy. You can't help it, your eyes flutter shut as
you take your first sip, holding it in your mouth and letting the sultry liquid
dance over your tongue. Whether you're at home or the local coffee house, you
can't help a small quiet moan of pleasure.
Coffee Houses Deliver More Then Just Coffee
Traditionally, Coffee Houses were the gathering place for scholars and other
intellectuals to discuss topics ranging from politics to philosophy, from
international travel to health concerns. It was a place to connect, to savor a
sweet treat and to learn.
England is
credited with the very first coffeehouse in 1652. In the mid to late 1600's, England's
number of coffee houses grew rapidly.
They were dubbed "penny universities" because it cost a penny for
a cup of coffee, which allowed one to stay and learn for hours.
Even today, there are college courses dedicated to the study of the
different social aspects of coffee. For instance, - "The Cafe and Public
Life" is a course offered at Kentucky's
Center College
in Danville. It offers a unique
look at more than just the drink. And why not? - Coffee has had a huge impact
on society and its pocketbook.
Second Most Valuable Traded Item
Worldwide, $70 billion dollars worth of coffee is traded annually, making it
the second most valuable traded item. Oil is number one.
According to the International Coffee Organization, the United
States is the largest coffee importer in the
world. In 2004, the U.S.
consumed 20.37 million bags out of a total import of 23.30 million bags.
That Which Prevents Sleep
Arabs as far back as the 9th century have brewed this taste delight and it
has penetrated society at many levels ever since. In fact, the word coffee is
derived from the Arab word "qahwa" which means "that which
prevents sleep".
Of course, this should come as no surprise because the most commonly cited
reason for consuming this morning nectar in the United
States (90%) is "to wake up".
The effects of caffeine can last until bed time for some people. Studies
have shown that caffeine intake can increase athletic performance, improve
memory, enhance alertness and increase the rate of information processing by
nearly 10%. Some fitness trainers claim the benefit of fat cell release into
the blood stream. Just remember, once released, it must be burned by activity
or it just gets redeposited. Probably on your hips!
But more than the alertness factor that coffee brings to your morning, there
are unlimited choices fitting every drinker's taste from the popular iced mocha
to the standard "cup-o-joe". Coffee connoisseurs often enjoy more
than one flavor depending upon the time of day, the location or the occasion.
So many different ways to consume the elixir of the gods!
You may have wondered why your same Columbian Supremo tastes different the next
time you order it the same way. Was it the waitress? Did they water it down?
Did it brew too long? Was the cup properly washed?
Boasting of Roasting
The flavor of any particular cup of coffee depends upon a vast variety of
factors. First, the type of coffee bean, next the growing conditions (soil,
weather, moisture), the roasting process, the mixture of bean types and finally
the brewing process. Of all these variables, bean roasting needs the boasting
as the most important contributor to the "flavor" of your favorite
indulgence.
Green coffee beans can last for several months, but for guaranteed
freshness, roasted coffee beans are best used within 18 hours to one week. In
the 1800's, the green coffee beans were roasted in a frying pan. Since then,
home roasting machines were developed, often using hot air technology for more
convenience and consistency.
Specialty coffees are often thought to refer to the combination of bean
types in a certain blend. However, the consistent roasting process is vital to
producing the closet result to the expected flavor.
The main factors that alter the flavor of the natural bean are temperature,
volume and duration of the roast. It is an art form to maintain uniformity in
the aroma, taste and over all experience. In fact, high volume coffee makers
like the ones you find on the grocery store shelf sometimes have a challenge to
consistently produce the same result for the same price. The supply and demand
market can change the price of coffee dramatically in a short period of time.
Even a bad insect season in a particular area, tragic weather conditions or
regional economic changes will have an effect on the price you could pay for
your daily dose.
Consistency is the goal. Rather then raise and lower the daily price for
your cup of coffee like a gas pump, manufacturers may try to alter the roasting
of similar beans, ratio of beans types or processing methods to regain the
flavor their customers expect.
More than Taste and a Morning Buzz...
Some people prefer their consistency in the same ambiance, same companions,
same special blend and even the same time of day. However, with the popularity
of computers and telecommuting jobs, Cyber Cafes have added another twist to
finding that perfect cup of coffee and connection.
In a society that demands so much of our time, many have chosen to
"sit" but continue working away from the office. Sofas,
conversational pits and patio retreats are now a main ingredient of the coffee
house scene. This comfortable setting is conducive to connect, enjoy your
favorite brew, and surf the internet. Almost sounds like where we started, doesn't
it? If only the cup were still a penny...