Coffee is a universal drink, but it is prepared and consumed in different ways all over the world. Every culture has developed its own traditions and rituals around coffee, and getting to know these customs offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural diversity that coffee represents.
In Italy, coffee is almost a religion. Espresso, short and intense, is the undisputed protagonist, consumed quickly at the bar counter. The cappuccino, with its creamy milk foam, is one of the most popular drinks, but in Italy it is traditionally enjoyed only at breakfast. Italian coffee shops are places of meeting and socialising, where coffee is always accompanied by a chat between friends or colleagues.
In Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, the coffee ritual is a ceremony that lasts for hours. The beans are roasted on the spot, ground by hand and slowly brewed in a special pot called a "jebena". This ceremony represents a moment of sharing and hospitality, and the coffee is often served with salt or butter rather than sugar.
Japan, known for its attention to detail and precision, has adopted coffee with an artisanal approach. The pour-over method, in particular the "V60", is very popular in Japanese coffee shops, where every cup is prepared with extreme care, measuring exactly the amount of coffee and water, and adjusting the temperature with precision to achieve a perfect extraction. Japanese coffee shops are known for their quiet, minimalist atmosphere, where preparing coffee is considered an art form.
In Turkey, coffee is an integral part of the country's culture and history. Turkish coffee, prepared in a pot called a "cezve", is finely ground and boiled directly in the water with sugar. It is known for its rich, intense flavour and is often served with sweets such as baklava. In Turkey, drinking coffee is a social ritual, often accompanied by reading the coffee grounds to predict the future, a tradition that adds a touch of mystery to every cup.
In conclusion, coffee is much more than just a drink: it is a window onto the culture and traditions of every country. Exploring the ways it is prepared and consumed around the world allows us to appreciate the diversity and richness of global coffee cultures.
In our Introduction to Coffee courses (here) you'll find all the answers.