The Origins Of Coffee
Coffee originated in the highlands of Ethiopia, was expanded into the middle east through Muslim adoption around the 10th and 11th centuries, and finally entered the European culture in 17th and 18th centuries. Coffee beans were first brought to the island of Haiti in 1720 and by the 1800's plantations were producing throughout South and Central America. Today this is where the United States imports the bulk of our coffee.
Coffee is far from being a drink unique to the United States. It is consumed all over the world, but in many different forms. If you are American and go to some other country and order coffee, you will not get the same type of drink that you get in the States. Coffee in America is brewed for awhile in hot water. Most Americans have coffee makers that will filter ground coffee with boiling hot water that drips into a carafe. It is far different from European coffee.
If you try coffee in other parts of the world, be prepared for it to be a lot stronger than what you are used to drinking for your every day coffee in the United States. Coffee is an acquired taste. Once you get used to the way American coffee is made, you may want to sample coffees from other parts of the world.
Turkish Coffee - A Delight
Turkish coffee is very strong and similar to Italian and Greek coffees. The coffee itself is ground to the point where it is like powder and then cooked over an open flame. After it comes to a boil, it is poured into a tiny demitasse cup. It is very strong and usually has a thick foam on the top. You can add a little cream and sip it.
The first time you have Turkish Coffee you may feel it is too strong. However, you will soon grow accustomed to the sweet taste of this coffee. It is much thicker than American coffee and leaves a residue in the cup. It really hits the spot after a meal.
Espresso
Espresso is a form of coffee found in Italy and France which is made very similar to Turkish coffee. It is often served with steamed or frothed milk and although strong, can be very delicious after a meal. If you go to Europe or other parts of the world outside of the United States, be prepared to get Espresso as your coffee. It may take some getting used to, but once you do you will enjoy it.
If you are a coffee lover, you should try some of the different types of coffee that are served throughout the world. Arabic, Turkish, Greek, Italian and French coffees all have a distinct flavor and are brewed in a similar way. Once you have learned to enjoy the taste of coffee, you will most likely be back for more.
In the United States, it is not common for young children to have coffee with their meals or in the morning. Many parents don't want their children to have any more energy than they already have! (Decaf may be advised!) Some parents, as children get older and have a desire to try coffee, will mix it with half milk so that the child gets used to the coffee. Coffee is not harmful for you and it does have some of the health benefits of tea.
