The origins of drinking coffee are thought to go as far back to the ancient country of Ethiopia, more than 1,000 years ago. The popular tale is that a lonely goatherd, Kaldi, discovered his goats were particularly energised after eating the leaves and beans of the coffee trees.
Eager to share his new discovery, he shared with monks, who made an infusion with boiling water and consumed it to aid in their long discovery sessions; combining prayer and studying as a way to access the divine.
From Ethiopia, the drink then traveled by monks and traders to Yemen, considered the birthplace of the coffee trade and the first trading house of coffee where it was sold as a commodity starting in the 15th century. It then spread to the rest of the Middle East, the Mediterranean and eventually Europe in the 17th century.
Initially met with opposition from the church, the Catholic papal sanction in the late 17th century opened up a huge market for coffee, particularly influencing the growing coffee houses that became havens for business, politics and even culture. It was in these places where the business of the world was conducted, and it quickly became popular as a beverage.
In the New World, coffee gained popularity after rebellious colonists refused to drink tea as a way to state their grievances. This resulted in an increased demand for coffee and the subsequent production of it.
The ways in which coffee is now consumed has also been revolutionised by advances in technology. Café-style machines have been around since the 1770s, and have been rapidly developed over the centuries with the invention of the automatic espresso machine in the 1940s.
More recent times have seen the rise of “artisanal” coffee, championed by a range of coffee shops, cafes and companies such as illy, Four Barrel, Intelligentsia and Starbucks that championed ‘specialty coffee’ and changed the way people enjoyed their coffee with a focus on lighter, more artful roasts.
Effects of Coffee Drinking
The effects of coffee drinking are vast and varied; coffee is one of the oldest and most commonly consumed beverages in the world, but its effects reach far beyond the daily energy and alertness those cups of coffee give us.
While regular consumption of coffee in moderate doses is considered safe, too much coffee can have unpleasant side effects such as restlessness, anxiety, and digestive upset. However, there are many potential health benefits as well as a range of cognitive and physical boost due to the stimulating effects of coffee.
Studies conducted on coffee consumption have suggested an array of positive effects including an improved memory, lower risk of certain types of cancer, protection against type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, and improved physical stamina.
Coffee has also been argued to help curb depression, reduce stress and improve alertness and concentration. Studies have pointed to the claim that the caffeine in coffee can act as a mild stimulant and activate the brain, which could be the reason for its potentially positive effects on mental health and alertness.
Effects of Coffee on Health
The effects of coffee on one’s health are not entirely understood and there has been much debate over the years about whether or not coffee is beneficial or detrimental. Ultimately, the answer is that it depends on many factors such as the type and amount of coffee consumed as well as other personal health habits such as diet, lifestyle and exercise.
Some research has indicated that drinking coffee can be beneficial in moderation. Caffeine has been known to improve stamina and act as a mild stimulant, helping to boost alertness and concentration. Studies have also indicated that coffee may help with the prevention of certain illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and some types of cancer.
On the other hand, coffee is also known to have some negative side effects such as restlessness, anxiety, and digestive upset. Too much coffee can also cause dehydration and it has been shown to aggravate symptoms of heartburn and GERD. Additionally, the caffeine in coffee has been known to interfere with sleep patterns and is not recommended for those who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
Brewing Process of Coffee
Brewed coffee is made by taking ground coffee beans and brewing them in hot water. The process of brewing is where the flavor, body, and aroma of the coffee are developed. It is important to understand the process of brewing because it can significantly affect the final product. Depending on the method used, the amount of time the brew is exposed to the heat, the amount of water used, the size and grind of the beans, and the temperature used can all affect the taste of the brewed coffee.
Common brewing methods used to make coffee include pour-over, immersion, and pressure brewing. Pour-over is one of the most common methods and involves pouring hot water over the ground coffee; this method is popular due to its simplicity and the fact that it preserves the delicate flavours of the bean. Immersion brewing involves ‘immersing’ the grounds in hot water for a sustained period of time; this method is more common in commercial settings but can also be done at home. Lastly, pressure brewing involves using pressurized hot water to force the extraction of the flavour from the grounds.
Different brewing methods produce a wide range of coffee with unique characteristics and the type of brew chosen should depend on the desired outcome. Understanding the nuances of the different brewing methods is important for achieving the desired results and producing the perfect cup of coffee.
Types of Coffee Beans
Coffee beans can be divided into two main categories: Arabica and Robusta. These two categories are then further divided into different types of beans based on geographical origin, elevation, processing, and genetics.
Arabica beans are known for their sweet and fruity taste, with higher acidity and usually a smaller yield. They are usually grown in the mountains at elevations of 800-1,500 meters, and are often a favoured choice for specialty coffee.
Robusta beans on the other hand, have a higher caffeine content and a less desirable flavor, with a harsher and more bitter taste. They are also more resistant to diseases and pests than Arabica beans, and is the bean of choice for many commercial coffees.
Other popular types of coffee beans include Kona, which is grown exclusively in the Kona region of Hawaii; Peaberry, which is a small, oval shaped bean that comes from a single cherry; Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, which is renowned for its floral and berry notes; Jamaican Blue Mountain, which is known for its complexity and bold flavor; and Geisha, which is a rare and exotic bean that has its origins in Ethiopia.
Environmental Impact of Coffee
Coffee is the world’s second most traded commodity after petroleum, and it is estimated that around 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily. As with any heavily traded commodity, the production of coffee has an environmental impact, and unfortunately the environmental footprint of coffee is not a small one.
Coffee production has a large carbon footprint due to the energy used in the farming, harvesting, transport and roasting of the beans. It is estimated that the carbon footprint for a single cup of coffee can be as high as 50 grams of CO2. Additionally, overuse of pesticides and fertilizers on coffee farms can cause soil erosion, with potential adverse effects on human health, as well as having an impact on surrounding ecosystems.
Coffee production is also a significant consumer of water, with an estimated 140 liters of water required to produce just one cup of coffee. The water used in the production of coffee is often extracted from local sources; this can have a detrimental effect on those sources, as well as reducing the amount of water available for local populations.
Sustainable Coffee
Thankfully, the coffee industry is becoming increasingly aware of these issues and is taking steps to make coffee production more sustainable. The majority of coffee producers are now using sustainable farming practices, as well as investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, biogas, and wind energy.
Another important step in making coffee production more sustainable is the certification of fairtrade coffee. Fairtrade ensures that farmers are paid a fair price for their beans, and also guarantees farmers a minimum price. This ensures that farmers have a sustainable income and encourages them to utilize sustainable farming practices.
Lastly, the industry is also trying to reduce its carbon footprint by introducing more efficient harvesting methods and investing in renewable energy sources. Companies are also introducing innovative technologies to reduce the amount of water used in the production of coffee, such as constructed wetlands and soil-moisture sensors.
