The first record of a public place serving coffee dates back to 1475. Kiva Han was the name of the first coffee shop. It was located in the Turkish city of Constantinople (now Istanbul). Turkish coffeewas served strong, black and unfiltered, usually brewed in an ibrik. They took coffee very seriously, too. In fact, it was such an important item during that time, that it was legal in Turkey for a woman to divorce her husband if he could not supply her with enough coffee
Europeans Transform Coffee
The idea of doctoring up one’scoffee with creamand sweeteners came into fashion in Europe around 1529. This was also when the first coffee house in Europe was established. The History of Cafe all started withThe first café is said to have opened in 1550 in Constantinople; during the 17th century cafés opened inItaly, France,Germany, andEngland. During the 200 years after the mid-17th century, the most famous coffeehouses of Europe flourished inLondonas ready points for news, discussion, and faction. The first coffeehouse in England was set up on the High Street inOxfordin 1650. Coffeehouse proprietors competed with each other for supplies of bothWhig and Torynewspapers; during this time the business of buying and sellinginsurance, ships, stocks, commodities, and occasionally even slaves was disposed of in coffeehouses; a man of letters, an actor, or an artist might perform or declaim for his coterie in his favourite coffeehouse; and coffeehouses became informal stations for the collection and distribution of packets and letters.
Cafes rose to prominence inEuropeduring the late 17th century as a result of their importance in the social sphere, as well as their ease of convenience. While restaurants and eateries specialized in meals, cafes minimized their selection in favor of providing patrons with coffee and affordable admission. This made it especially accessible to the working class to whom the establishments served as a retreat to foster community and promote the exchange of ideas and philosophy. Both a blessing and a curse, this age became known as the Age of Enlightenment.
While the local ale house provided many with the ability to converse, cafes remained a favorite confluence for the politically interested, specifically those who didn’t have the platform or means to voice their qualms elsewhere. Citizens upset by the upscaled pricing or legislations of their new regime could find solace in discussing these issues with their fellow cafe-goers.In an age of shifting ideologies and modest economic turmoil, British cafes gave the unheard a voice and the ability to debate and host intelligent conversation, which would have otherwise been drowned out beneath the authority of the elite.
Men from any social class could patronize the cafes; however, those in higher standing often avoided them for fear of losing status. They later regarded cafes as a nuisance. For forces of the upper echelon, cafes provided sanctum for their subjects and employees outside of their control, leaving room for the seeds of rebellion and change to be planted.This line of reasoning painted cafes as representations of equality and justice, something that earned them the attention and eventual wrath of King Charles II, who described the establishment as “a placewhere the disaffected met and spread scandalous reports concerning the conduct of His Majesty and his Ministers” in an attempt to discourage the congregation. His efforts were fruitless.Cafes met their natural end following King Charles’ rule due to the increasing popularity of tea. However, British cafes bred a generation of activists, writers, and artists, setting the precedence for coffee house culture to come. The social and economic position of coffee houses and cafes allowed for a meeting place receptive to all men regardless of occupation. This wasn’t true only in old Europe.
By the 19th century, the daily newspaper and the home post had displaced these functions. About the same time, as painting and literature attest, theFrenchcafé andrestaurantwere at their zenith as gathering places forintellectualsand artists. The wealthier gourmands among the intelligentsia might dine inParis’shigh-toned restaurants, asHonoré de Balzac dined at the Véry, while the more modest café or bistro harboured the “Bohemian” artists. The café continued to be an important social institution in France throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries.
Cafe Culture in England
Since the early 1500s coffee has been an international commodity, an elixir of energy, a catalyst of conversation and a driver of change. Its modern histories are often intertwined with the other stimulating substances of sugar and tea, making its colonial past as uncomfortable as it is illuminating. When the drink first appeared in England in the mid-1600s it was a novelty, with little thought given to its origins or human cost. Herbal warmed drinks such as sage, mint and chamomile had been used medicinally for centuries and initially, coffee was likewise promoted as a herbal remedy and invigorating elixir.
The consumption of coffee went hand-in-hand with the proliferation of the coffee house, with hundreds of establishments springing up across England throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries – although the main concentration of these was in London. These institutions offered a space for white men to debate and deliberate the topics of the day: from political scandals and current affairs to philosophy and advances in the natural sciences.
Like today, the coffee house was a place where people gathered to socialise, network and catch up on the news. The coffee itself became a catalyst to this conversation, it had become a symbol of enlightenment and reason, yet one almost completely isolated from its roots. So much so that when we look at images of eighteenth-century coffee houses, we don’t see anything relating to its production, but instead a whitewashed vision of coffee consumption. Coffee had become an icon of intellect and privilege, which had been distanced almost completely from the social and environmental ramifications of its popularity.
As a result, the prevailing representation of historical coffee in England is that of the coffee house. Coffee was a luxury product that occupied a white, masculine, public world in late Stuart and Georgian England and beyond. In contrast to the experience of the alehouse, the focus on this non-alcoholic drink encouraged sobriety and created an atmosphere in which it was possible to engage in more serious conversation. The coffee houses were places for entertainment and industry, where knowledge was exchanged. They became known as the ‘Penny Universities’, because you could purchase admission to a coffee house and a cup of coffee for a penny – such as this example issued by Mansfields Coffee House in Shoe Lane, London, now in the British Museum’s collection. Several significant companies were founded in coffee houses, such as Lloyd’s of London, which began asEdward Lloyd’s coffee houseon Tower Street around 1688 – and is still around today. They were also places to assemble and connect, as we see in the painting by Anna Katrina Zinkeisen, which depicts the first meeting of the Society of Arts at Rawthmell’s Coffee House.
Consequently, coffee houses were not considered a place for a lady who wished to preserve her respectability, and in general, coffee houses did not welcome women – unless they were sex workers. In this way, coffee continued to alienate and repress large parts of society.
In retaliation, theWomen’s Petition Against Coffee(1674) was started – not only to argue that coffee made men ‘as unfruitful as the sandy deserts, from where that unhappy berry is said to be brought’ but also to challenge the role of the coffee house as a place for men to waste their time and pontificate. It’s argued that this petition was in fact set up as a form of repression itself – to curb the use of coffee houses as a place for political unrest to progress – but whatever the intention, it’s clear that coffee was touching a nerve.
argely through the efforts of the British East India Company and the Dutch East India Company, coffee became available in England no later than the 16th century according to Leonhard Rauwolf’s 1583 account. The first coffeehouse in England was opened in St. Michael’s Alley in Cornhill. The proprietor was Pasqua Rosée, the servant of Daniel Edwards, a trader in Turkish goods. Edwards imported the coffee and assisted Rosée in setting up the establishment. The Grand Cafe in Oxford is alleged to be the first Coffee House in England, opened in 1650 by a Jewish man named Jacob. It is still open today, but has since become a popular Wine Bar. Oxford’s Queen’s Lane Coffee House, established in 1654, is still in existence today. By 1675, there were more than 3,000 coffeehouses throughout England. Popularity of coffeehouses spread rapidly in Europe, and later, America. The banning of women from coffeehouses was not universal, but does appear to have been common in Europe. In Germany women frequented them, but in England they were banned. Many believed coffee to have several medicinal properties in this period.
Today, it seems like every British town has an international coffee chain and Instagram-friendly espresso bars are popping up faster than you can say “third-wave coffee”. The popularity of Italian-style British cafes has led to espressos, cappuccinos and lattes becoming commonplace British drinks. In the past decade, many pubs have even started serving coffee in the daytime to compete in this relatively novel market.
Coffeeshops are opening as more pubs are closing
“We can date the contemporary coffeehouse moment back to the mid-1990s, that’s the moment when it really takes off,” Morris explained of the rebirth of the UK’s coffeeshop culture, when chains like Costa Coffee and Caffè Nero formed in the UK.“Coffeeshops are opening as more pubs are closing; the number of pubs has gone down, year-on-year-on-year, [while] the number of coffeeshops has gone up. In effect, the coffeeshop has sort of taken over as a social space from the traditional pub.”
More than 350 years after Pasqua Rosee set up his humble stall in London, it seems that coffeeshops are once again reclaiming their original role as the go-to space for Britons to socialise, spread news and share new ideas.
Coffee was first cultivated in Ethiopia and later introduced to Europe through the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire recognised that coffee’s rich flavor and energising properties would make it a profitable industry, and increased cultivation in Yemen for the European market. Venice, a port city, became one of the first European cities to regularly trade for coffee.
Cafe culture in France
The croissant is a classic French pastry that has become a beloved breakfast staple worldwide. With its flaky layers and buttery flavor, it’s no surprise that the croissant has become a favorite among pastry lovers everywhere. But where did this delicious pastry come from? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the croissant.
The exact origins of the croissant are somewhat disputed, but it’s widely believed that it was created in Vienna, Austria in the 17th century. The croissant is said to have been inspired by the crescent-shaped banners used by the Ottoman Empire during their siege of Vienna in 1683. According to the legend, the bakers in Vienna were working through the night to create a new pastry to commemorate the victory over the Ottomans. They came up with a crescent-shaped pastry that was light, flaky, and buttery – the croissant was born.
However, other sources suggest that the croissant was actually created in France, and that the Austrian story is a myth. In fact, there are records of a similar pastry being made in France as early as the 18th century. It’s possible that the French were inspired by the Austrian pastry and created their own version, which they called the “croissant” because of its crescent shape.
Regardless of its origins, the croissant quickly became a popular pastry in France and has remained so to this day. In the 19th century, French bakers began to experiment with the recipe, adding more butter and creating the flaky, buttery pastry that we know and love today.
The croissant gained international fame in the 20th century, thanks in part to the development of frozen pastry dough. This allowed croissants to be shipped all over the world and sold in supermarkets and cafes, making them accessible to people everywhere.
Today, the croissant is a staple in French bakeries and cafes, and is enjoyed around the world. It can be enjoyed plain or filled with various sweet or savory fillings, such as chocolate, almond paste, ham and cheese, or spinach and feta. It’s also commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack, and is often paired with coffee or tea.
In conclusion, the history of the croissant is a fascinating one, with disputed origins and a long and delicious evolution. Whether it was first created in Austria or France, there’s no denying that the croissant is now a beloved pastry that has become a part of culinary culture around the world.
According to The Great Italian Cafe
When coffee first arrived in Italy, it was regarded as being sinful due to its association with the Islamic religion through the Ottoman Empire. In 1600, Pope Clement VIll was asked to publicly denounce coffee to discourage its consumption. To form a fair verdict, he asked to taste it. In a moment of clarity that has come to be known as the baptism of coffee, the Pope said, “This Satan’s drink is so delicious that it would be a pity to let the infidels have exclusive use of it.” With the Pope’s approval, Italian coffee culture was not only born, but blessed.
In pre-unified Italy, coffee brought with it new social opportunities in the form of coffee houses. Coffee was best consumed hot and fresh, so Italy began establishing coffee houses, or cafes–today’s Italian bar. The tradition of coffee houses as social spaces had originated in the Ottoman Empire, but in Italy, it took on a life of its own.
The first Italian coffee houses opened in Venice around the end of the 17th century. According to the Great Italian Cafe, “[they] soon became synonymous with comfortable atmosphere, conversation, and good food, this adding romance and sophistication to the coffee experi-ence.” While coffee houses usually welcomed aristocrats, one Venetian coffee house had a reputation for breaking social boundaries.
Cafe Culture today
Modern cafe culture is tied inextricably to the coffee industry upon which it’s founded, and as coffee shifts, so does the American cafe. Rather than present a united front to engage in discussion across social standing, coffee houses have become specialized to attract a crowd based on the type of coffee they serve. This means the general business model has switched from one that’s community-based to one that’s commodity-based, which has helped revitalize the coffee industry as a whole.
Cafe Culture in Europe
In the 18th century,Dublincoffeehouses functioned as early reading centers and the emergence of circulation and subscription libraries that provided greater access to printed material for the public. The interconnectivity of the coffeehouse and virtually every aspect of the print trade were evidenced by the incorporation of printing, publishing, selling, and viewing of newspapers, pamphlets and books on the premises, most notably in the case ofDick’s Coffee House, owned by Richard Pue; thus contributing to a culture of reading and increased literacy.These coffeehouses were a social magnet where different strata of society came together to discuss topics covered by the newspapers and pamphlets. Most coffeehouses of the 18th century would eventually be equipped with their own printing presses or incorporate a book shop.
In Austria
The traditional tale of the origins of theViennese cafébegins with the mysterious sacks of green beans left behind when the Turks were defeated in theBattle of Viennain 1683. All the sacks of coffee were granted to the victoriousPolish kingJan III Sobieski, who in turn gave them to one of his officers,Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki, a Ukrainian cossack and Polish diplomat of Ruthenian descent. Kulczycki, according to the tale, then began the first coffeehouse inViennawith the hoard, also being the first to serve coffee with milk. There is a statue of Kulczycki on a street also named after him. However, it is now widely accepted that the first Viennese coffeehouse was actually opened by an Armenian merchant named Johannes Diodato. Johannes Diodato (also known as Johannes Theodat) opened a registered coffeehouse in Vienna in 1685.Fifteen years later, four other Armenians owned coffeehouses.Theculture of drinking coffeewas itself widespread in the country in the second half of the 18th century. Over time, aspecial coffee houseculture developed inHabsburgVienna. On the one hand, writers, artists, musicians, intellectuals, bon vivants and their financiers met in the coffee house, and on the other hand, new coffee varieties were always served. In the coffee house, people played cards or chess, worked, read, thought, composed, discussed, argued, observed and just chatted. A lot of information was also obtained in the coffee house, because local and foreign newspapers were freely available to all guests. This form of coffee house culture spread throughout theHabsburg Empirein the 19th century.
The Dutch made Amsterdam the center of Europe’s coffee trade, and from there they took Guyana and established their first coffee plantations. Being one of the first coffee traders, the Netherlands started to drink coffee at home in the 1600s and the first Cafés were opened in 1665. Only elite people could enter here. Although the Netherlands was Europe’s second trader of coffee, coffee did not play such a large role as in Italy or France.
The first coffee house opened in 1665. Coffee houses in the Netherlands were located in places where there was more trade. Although the Netherlands was introduced to coffee early, the coffee house culture was not very developed. Because instead of developing the coffee culture, it was much more interesting to trade it. The task of the Dutch, who were closely involved in the coffee trade, in the history of coffee, was perhaps to ensure that the coffee beans were distributed all over the world. That’s what happened. The Dutch distributed coffee to India, Indonesia, and Latin America. Improved Cold Drip brewing techniques. Although based in America, Starbucks was opened thanks to the ideas of a Dutchman. By the 19th century, Dutch commerce had become so successful that Amsterdam rose to prominence as a world coffee trading center and “Java” became synonymous with coffee. Java led the world in coffee production until 1865 when leaf rust nearly decimated the industry. By the 1900s hardier, yet inferior, robusta beans had virtually replaced the entire ruined arabica crop. When Indonesia achieved its independence following World War II, the government set aside colonial estates once owned by the Dutch for Arabica cultivation.
Why are coffee shops allowed to sell soft drugs in the Netherlands? The government allows the sale of soft drugs in coffee shops in order to prevent people who use soft drugs from coming into contact with hard drugs. A coffee shop is an establishment where cannabis is sold.
Coffeeshopsare not allowed to serve alcohol or other drugs, and risk closure if they are found to be selling soft drugs to minors,hard drugsor sellingalcohol. The idea of licensing the sale of cannabis was introduced in the 1970s for the explicit purpose of keeping hard and soft drugs separated. A Dutch judge has ruled that tourists can legally be banned from entering cannabis cafes, as part of restrictions that were implemented in 2012.City councils can choose whether to implement this ban or not. This ban is implemented only by a few municipalities in the southern Netherlands.The city council inMaastrichtallows tourists to visit coffeeshops, but all except one have made a voluntary agreement to allow only local residents, which are defined as people living within a 150km radius (local people from Belgium and Germany are still allowed). The ban is not enforced in the city ofAmsterdamand most other parts of theNetherlands.
What about coffee shops nowadays? Today, an incredible coffee culture has emerged. Especially in Amsterdam, Den Haag and Rotterdam, Specialty Coffees are opened one after the other and many places roast their own coffee. Each Café welcomes its visitors around the clock, just like a coffee school. Dutch Baristas, on the other hand, participate in competitions around the world and achieve degrees. Free workshops on different brewing methods are held at a different location every week. In this way, both baristas come together and coffee lovers are informed. We would like to open a separate parenthesis for Amsterdam. Because Amsterdam has become a 3rd wave coffee center on its own. If you visit Amsterdam, you should set aside at least 2-3 days to visit the Cafés.
Cafe Culture in Belgium
Belgium has a well-known coffee culture, where coffee is often served with pastries or desserts and symbolizes shared moments and quiet indulgence.However, coffee isn’t even on the menu at À la Mort Subite in Brussels, which is considered the grand-daddy of all Belgian cafés.Instead, the café offers a large selection of Belgium’s national drink, beer. Belgium has a long history of coffee culture thatdates back to the 17th century.Coffeehouses have been a part of Belgian society for centuries, fostering a tradition of socializing and intellectual discussions over a cup of coffee.Coffee symbolizes shared moments and quiet indulgence, often paired with pastries or desserts.
Belgian coffee culture has a pretty long and rich history, dating back to the 17th century. The first coffee house in Brussels opened its doors in 1615, and by the mid-1800s, there were over 300 cafes in the city.
With its colonial history in Africa, Belgium initially satisfied its thirst for coffee with beans from Congo and Rwanda. Today, they source coffee beans from all around the world,including our Belvico beans from Vietnam!
Belgians love their coffee. It’s a key part of daily life. Only a few years ago, in 2016, Belgium was ranked no.8 in the list of “top coffee-consuming countries”. Coffee became so important to Belgians that today in Flanders, seven types of coffee are officially nominated as a “regional product”. In Belgium, it is standard to have coffee with your breakfast. They even came up with a unique coffee-inspired name for the pastries that typically accompany their coffee during weekend breakfasts: “koffiekoeken”, which literally translates into “coffee pastries”.
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Scientific theories, political plans but also artistic projects were worked out and discussed in Viennese coffee houses all over Central Europe. James Joyce even enjoyed his coffee in a Viennese coffee house on the Adriatic inTrieste, then and now the main port for coffee and coffee processing in Italy and Central Europe. From there, the Viennese Kapuziner coffee developed into today’s world-famouscappuccino. This special multicultural atmosphere of the Habsburg coffee houses was largely destroyed by the later National Socialism and Communism and can only be found today in a few places that have long been in the slipstream of history, such as Vienna or Trieste.
The Benefits of Coffee
Although early studies ofcoffeesuggested that it could lead to health problems, recent research provides strong evidence that drinking coffee actually has a variety of health benefits.
“The overall evidence has been pretty convincing that coffee has been more healthful than harmful in terms of health outcomes,” saidFrank Hu, chair of theDepartment of Nutritionat Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in an April 5, 2021, article in Discover. “For most people, moderate coffee consumption can be incorporated into a healthy diet.”
Hu said that moderate coffee intake—about 2–5 cups a day—is linked to a lower likelihood of type 2diabetes,heart disease, liver and endometrial cancers, Parkinson’s disease, anddepression. It’s even possible that people who drink coffee can reduce their risk of early death.
Early research linked coffee to diseases ranging from heart disease andasthma. But Hu noted that many participants in those studies also smoked, which may have led researchers to think that coffee was responsible for the adverse effects that are now linked withcigarettes. He added that anything people consume a lot of tends to come under scrutiny. “In the past, I think a lot of people thought, ‘Oh, coffee’s so delicious, there must be something bad about coffee,’” he said. “So I think the good news is that [for] most people, coffee actually confers some health benefits.”
Certain groups should be careful about drinking coffee, according to the article. Not much is known about the effects of coffee onchildren, and caffeine could be harmful topregnancies. Too much caffeine can also cause anxiety in people with panic or anxiety disorders.
For those who drink coffee, experts suggest brewing it with a paper filter, because unfiltered coffee is associated with higher rates of early death, and can contain compounds that raise levels of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol. They also advise not going overboard with added cream or sugar.
1. Boosts energy levels
Coffee containscaffeine, a central nervous system stimulant that is known for its ability to fight fatigue and increase energy levels.
This is because caffeine blocks the receptors of a neurotransmitter called adenosine, and this increases levels of other neurotransmitters in your brain that regulate your energy levels, including dopamine.
One small study found that consuming caffeine increased time to exhaustion during a cycling exercise by 12% and significantly reduced subjective levels of fatigue in participants.
Another study had similar findings, reporting that consuming caffeine before and during a round of golf improved performance, increased subjective energy levels, and reduced feelings of fatigue.
2. May be linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes
Some research suggests that consuming coffee regularly could be associated with a decreased risk of developingtype 2 diabetesover the long term.
In fact, one review of 30 studies found that each cup of coffee people consumed per day was linked to a 6% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
This is thought to be due to coffee’s ability to preserve the function of the beta cells in your pancreas, which are responsible for producinginsulinto regulate blood sugar levels (7Trusted Source).
Plus, it’s rich inantioxidantsand may affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism — all of which are involved in the development of type 2 diabetes
Could support brain health
Although studies have turned up mixed results, some research suggests that coffee may help protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders, includingAlzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
According to one review of 13 studies, people who regularly consumed caffeine had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. What’s more, caffeine consumption also slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease over time (9Trusted Source).
Another review of 11 observational studies in more than 29,000 people also found that the more coffee people consumed, the lower their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, several studies have demonstrated that moderate coffee consumption could be associated with a lower risk ofdementiaand cognitive decline
4. May promote weight management
According to some research, coffee could alter fat storage and support gut health, both of which may be beneficial for weight management.
For example, one review of 12 studies concluded that higher coffee consumption could be associated with decreased body fat, especially in men.
In another study, increased coffee intake was linked to decreased body fat in women.
Furthermore, one study found that people who drank one to two cups of coffee per day were 17% more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels, compared with those who drank less than one cup per day.
Higher levels of physical activity could help promote weight management
5. Linked to a lower risk of depression
Some studies have found that drinking coffee could be associated with a lower risk ofdepression.
According to one review of seven studies, each cup of coffee people consumed per day was linked to an 8% lower risk of depression.
Another study found that drinking at least four cups of coffee each day was associated with a significantly lower risk of depression, compared with drinking just one cup per day.
What’s more, one study in more than 200,000 people showed that drinking coffee was linked to a lower risk of death by suicide
6. Could protect against liver conditions
Interestingly, several studies suggest that coffee could support liver health and protect against disease.
For instance, one study found that drinking more than two cups of coffee per day was linked to lower rates of liver scarring and liver cancer in people withliver disease.
Other research shows that the more coffee people drank, the lower their risk of death from chronic liver disease. Drinking one cup of coffee per day was tied to a 15% lower risk, while drinking four cups per day was linked to a 71% lower risk.
Another recent study found that coffee consumption was associated with decreased liver stiffness, which is a measure healthcare professionals use to assess fibrosis, the formation of scar tissue in the liver.
7. Supports heart health
Some research shows that drinking coffee may benefit heart health.
In fact, one review found that drinking three to five cups of coffee per day was tied to a 15% reduced risk ofheart disease.
Another review of 21 studies showed that drinking three to four cups of coffee daily was associated with a 21% lower risk of stroke.
What’s more, one study in more than 21,000 people also found that increased coffee intake was associated with a significantly decreased risk of heart failure.
However, keep in mind that caffeine could affectblood pressure levels. Therefore, people with unmanaged blood pressure may need to limit or moderate their caffeine intake
8. Could increase longevity
Some research suggests that coffee could help extend longevity, thanks to its multitude of potential health benefits.
For example, one review of 40 studies concluded that drinking two to four cups of coffee daily was associated with a lower risk of death, regardless of factors like age, weight status, and alcohol consumption.
Similarly, another study in 1,567 people found that drinking caffeinated coffee was linked to a lower risk of death after 12 and 18 years of follow-up. Furthermore, drinking at least one cup of coffee per day was also associated with a lower risk of death from cancer.
Interestingly, one test-tube study showed that coffee was able to significantly extend the life span of yeast by protecting againstfree radicalsand DNA damage.
However, more research is needed to determine whether this could also apply to humans.
9. May enhance athletic performance
Coffee is often used as an ergogenic aid by athletes looking toimprove performanceand increase energy levels.
An ergogenic aid is also called a performance enhancer.
One review of nine studies reported thatdrinking coffee before exerciseimproved people’s endurance and decreased their perceived exertion, compared with a control group.
Another study in 126 older adults found that drinking coffee was associated with improved physical performance and faster gait speed, even after the researchers adjusted for factors like age, belly fat, and physical activity levels.
Additionally, a large review reported that moderate caffeine consumption could slightly improve power output and time-trial completion time. However, results varied, so the researchers also noted that caffeine may affect people differently
Mental health awareness is finally becoming widely accepted in the US, as21% of adults in America struggle with a mental illness. Various mental health strategies exist, including holistic approaches that focus on lifestyle changes. A healthy diet and exercise, for example, can affect neuronal development and physiology, and protect the brain from neurological damage. Coffee, which can be part of a healthy diet, contains caffeine andpolyphenolic compounds that may have beneficial effects on mental health.Although coffee is not an authorized treatment for mental health issues and should not replace professional treatment,coffee provides many mental health benefits for mood, cognition, and depression.
Studies from around the world have concluded that caffeine doses equivalent to about one average cup of coffee improves sustained attention, alertness, vigor, contentment, and mood, and significantly decreases lethargy and fatigue. One cup of coffee every 4 hours can result in sustained improvement of mood throughout the day, especially for those who are highly-fatigued. Older adults are more sensitive to caffeine’s enhancing effects to mood and cognitive performance than younger people. Caffiene’s mood effects are also influenced by the time of consumption – in late morning you’ll experience them the most. Interestingly, mood and attention are not only enhanced by caffeine itself, but also by the expectation of consuming caffeine.
Reduced depression risk by up to 33%
Caffeine may help to relieve depressive symptoms or help to protect against depression, at doses up to about 300 mg caffeine (about 4 cups of coffee) per day. Studies across many continents have concluded that coffee consumption reduces depression. In an extreme example, a cohort study of Finnish men reported a 77% risk reduction for depression in heavy coffee drinkers (those who consumed over 813 mg of caffeine daily). This reduction in depression was limited to coffee and was not found with either tea or caffeine alone, pointing toward other compounds in coffee that could produce this effect, such as chlorogenic acids and polyphenols.
These are big claims for such a commonplace drink – so how does coffee do it?
How coffee affects the brain and improves mental health
Coffee reduces oxidation: people experiencing depression have elevated levels of oxidative-stress indicators in their blood. Coffee is the leading source of antioxidants in Americans’ diets.
Coffee fights inflammation: Coffee’s anti-inflammatory properties are associated with decreased depression. People with depression or suicidal ideation tend to have higher levels of inflammation-related proteins in their blood than people who are not depressed. These anti-inflammatory effects of coffee are similar to common medications used to treat depression; they decrease blood concentrations of some inflammation indicators, and their effects may be in part due to the drug’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Caffeine interacts with chemicals in the brain that affect mood:
- Caffeine blocks receptors in the brain from binding with adenosine, a neurotransmitter that causes fatigue and depressed mood. People who drink more coffee have higher adenosine concentrations in their blood since the neurotransmitter has been blocked from binding with its receptors in the brain.
- Caffeine may be associated with increased availability of dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps to control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers and regulates emotional responses. Caffeine may enhance arousal, in part, by up-regulating dopamine receptors.
Coffee improves gut health: Probiotics are microorganisms in your digestive system that improve gut health and decrease depression. People with depression are usually deficient in the fatty acids and neurotransmitters that probiotics produce. Components in coffee called “prebiotics” feed the probiotics, thus helping the probiotics create those vital compounds for your brain.
The history of coffee inPortugalis usually told to have begun during the reign ofkingJohn V, when Portuguese agent Francisco de Melo Palheta supposedly managed to steal coffee beans from theDutch East India Companyand introduce it to Brazil. From Brazil, coffee was taken toCape VerdeandSão Tomé and Príncipe, which were also Portuguese colonies at the time. Although, coffee already existed inAngola, already introduced byPortuguese missionaries. During the 18th century, the first publiccafésappeared, inspired by french gatherings from the 17th century, becoming spaces for cultural and artistic entertainment.
Several cafes emerged inLisbonsuch as:Martinho da Arcada(being the oldest café still functioning, having opened in 1782),Café Tavares,Botequim Parras,among others.Of these several became famous for harbouring poets and artists, such asManuel du Bocagewith his visits toCafé Nicola,which opened in 1796 by the Italian Nicola Breteiro; andFernando Pessoawith his visits toA Brasileira, which opened in 1905 by Adriano Teles. The most famous of these coffee houses was theCafé Marrare, opened by the napolitan Antonio Marrare, in 1820, frequently visited byJúlio Castilho,Raimundo de Bulhão Pato,Almeida Garrett,Alexandre Herculanoand other members of the Portuguese government and theintelligentsia. It began its own saying: «Lisboa eraChiado, o Chiado era o Marrare e o Marrare ditava a lei» (English: “Lisbon was the Chiado, the Chiado was the Marrare and the Marrare dictated the law”).
Other coffee houses soon opened across the country, such asCafé Vianna,opened inBraga, in 1858, by Manoel José da Costa Vianna, which was also visited by important Portuguese writers such asCamilo Castelo BrancoandEça de Queirós. During the1930’s, a surge in coffee houses happened inPortowith the opening of several that still exist, such asCafé Guarany, opened in 1933, andA Regaleira, opened in 1934. The first Cafe opened in Romania established In 1667, Kara Hamie, a former OttomanJanissaryfrom Constantinople, opened the first coffee shop inBucharest(then the capital of thePrincipality of Wallachia), in the center of the city, where today sits the main building of theNational Bank of Romania. In most European countries, such as Spain,Austria,Denmark, Germany,Norway, Sweden,Portugal, and others, the termcafémeans a restaurant primarily serving coffee, as well aspastriessuch as cakes,tarts,pies, orbuns. Many cafés also serve light meals such assandwiches. European cafés often have tables on the pavement (sidewalk) as well as indoors. Some cafés also serve alcoholic drinks (e.g., wine), particularly in Southern Europe. In the Netherlands and Belgium, acaféis the equivalent of a bar, and also sells alcoholic drinks. In the Netherlands akoffiehuisserves coffee, while acoffee shop(using the English term) sells “soft” drugs (cannabisandhashish) and is generally not allowed to sell alcoholic drinks. In France, most cafés serve as lunch restaurants in the day, and bars in the evening. They generally do not have pastries except in the mornings, when acroissantorpain au chocolatcan be purchased with breakfast coffee. In Italy, cafés are similar to those found in France and known asbar. They typically serve a variety of espresso coffee, cakes and alcoholic drinks. Bars in city centers usually have different prices for consumption at the bar and consumption at a table.
Cafe Culture in Overseas
In the mid-20th century, Bogota, Colombia, featured several cafes across its sprawling cityscape. The prominent cafe culture was similar to London’s, laying the groundwork for intellectuals, activists, and artists to intersect. As the hub of a coffee-farming country, coffee was far from being exclusive to a coffee house. There were coffee bars, coffee clubs, even coffee pools. The drink aligned itself with secular values and helped bridge the intellectual and physical gap that might have otherwise separated men from various social standings. Much like British coffee houses, men frequented these cafes after finishing up at their office jobs, but it was also a hub that granted artists, journalists, and writers equity to the property, some doubling as galleries and convention centers. As in London, this attracted the attention of higher powers, to the Colombian cafes’ tragic detriment.
Beyond providing working-class men much-needed catharsis, coffee houses provided the general public with a method of unification and political revitalization that eventually deepened the divide between parties in what would become the Colombian conflict. With uprooted former militaristic powers colliding with some of the greatest minds of the generation, it was hardly a secret that cafes posed a very serious threat to Colombia’s already unstable government. When serious insurgency rose from the general public, the conflict brought about the end of the political coffee house.
While South America served the best fish coffee beans of the world, it has the richful flavors of specific coffee bans and sell it overseas to the beat coffeehouse of the world. Without a doubt, Brazil is the heavy-hitter when it comes to South American coffee production and exports. This nation grows about a third of the world’s coffee beans. Many espresso blends rely on Brazilian coffee for its smooth flavor and feel. Coffee beans from Braziltend to have low acidity, adding to their popularity. They generally have taste notes of chocolate, spices, and nuts, but varietals from the highest elevations have citrus notes, as well.
When they’re not prancing around in sequins and feathers, these lively people are hard at work producing thirty-five percent of the world’s coffee. They are the world’s leading exporter. The conditions in this South American coffee growing region are perfect! Coffee is grown on some of the highest slopes in the world. While much of this coffee is low grown, blended and used in massed consumed brands, perpetuating the notion of quantity over quality, there are still many wonderful sweet, bright and rich South American coffees and special lots to be found.
Specialty coffee roasters have discovered and developed close relationships with a number of sensational Brazilian farms that truly stand out and that are worthy of our love and accolades. Many single origins from Brazil can be sweet, complex and rather mind blowing. Ruvaldo Delarisse runs his family farm, Chapadao De Ferro. He inherited it from his beloved mother, Amelia and produces Micro-lots grown on an extinct volcano in Patrocinio that has flavors of Butterscotch, Dutch Cocoa and dried fruit.
Beans from Colombia are generally medium-bodied and smooth. Colombian coffee is a popular morning brew for many people. The sweet citrusy flavors and chocolatey aroma make for the perfect wake-up call.
Colombian coffees are prevalent in supermarkets, but avoid these options since it is likely they have been sitting for weeks or months. Buying directly from alocal roasteris the best way to ensure you get high-quality, fresh beans.
Peru has begun to carve out a niche for itself in the specialty coffee market. In particular, Peruvian coffee has become an excellent option for consumers looking for organic and fair-trade beans.
The high altitude beans have a medium body and bright acidity. Sweet floral notes make for a delicious cup of coffee.
Venezuela
This country at the northern end of South America produces coffee mostly for its own consumption. But since they account for about 1% of the world’s coffee supply, you might be able to find some Venezuelan coffee from a roaster.
Before it became a major petroleum producer, Venezuela rivaled Colombia for coffee production. But the beans went to the back burner of Venezuela’s economy once oil was on the scene.
Most Venezuelan beans are of the Maracaibos variety, named after the port through which they travel. They tend to offer a sweet flavor with balanced acidity.
Guatemala
Yes, Guatemala is actually Central American, not South American. But the coffee from Guatemala deserves mention here. With rich notes of cocoa and citrus,Guatemalan coffeeis a treat.
In particular, the Antigua region of Guatemala produces beans with a smooth velvety feel. The climate and volcanic soil create a high-quality coffee bean.
Coffee in Africa
Coffee was first discovered in the southern regions of Ethiopia, now part of the Kaffa province. What an honor to visit the motherland of coffee, which is today Africa’s largest producer of Arabica beans and Ethiopia’s largest employer.
Coffee here never disappoints. Delicious. Wild coffee cherries are still harvested in the mountains by tribes’ people. I truly believe that one has not lived until they try Ethiopian Yergachffe coffee. Its sweet berry notes completely intoxicate and overwhelm me with its sweet loveliness.
To gaze the slopes of Kilimanjaro! Kenya has become an African coffee powerhouse with a significant crop of Arabica beans. Coffees here share many characteristics of the region, with a bright, vibrant and winey taste, but these beans stand apart with richer, deeply fruity notes as well.
Coffee in Asia
Coffee in India This was the first major region outside of Arabian Africa to cultivate coffee, mainly due to some clever smuggling of fertile coffee beans. Far from the major coastal cities, I love to explore monsoon-ravaged tropical regions of southern India and delight in the spicy coffees, hinting of cardamom and pepper. Ah, the glory of the world’s largest democracy! This was the first major region outside of Arabian Africa to cultivate coffee, mainly due to some clever smuggling of fertile coffee beans. Far from the major coastal cities, I love to explore monsoon-ravaged tropical regions of southern India and delight in the spicy coffees, hinting of cardamom and pepper. Vietnam for a leisurely bike ride around the emerald green rice paddies to peacefully watch the women in palm-leaf conical hats growing rice in the serenity.
The 4th highest producer of coffee in the world is Vietnam, whose coffee industry was developed in the 1990’s via a heavy infusion of cash from the World Bank, who saw money to be made by exporting beans. Sadly, despite the volume produced, Vietnam specializes in low grade Robusta, a bitter bean often used in blends to “cut” the amount of Arabica needed. The sheer volume of Vietnamese Robusta flooding into the market place, despite its low quality, is hurting many coffee growing countries, such as Nicaragua, who must severely lower the prices of their higher quality Arabica beans in order to compete against Vietnams volume and extremely low prices. Vietnam provides the beans for cheap pre-ground and whole bean coffee blends sold in the supermarket. Now that’s a bitter bean to swallow.
Cafes in Australia
Australian coffee culture traces back to 1788 and evolved with the 1870s coffee palaces, then dramatically transformed with the mid-1900s Italian influence and espresso machines.
The aroma of coffee first wafted through Australia with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, brought by European settlers. This signalled the genesis of the coffee industry in the country. Fast forward to the 1870s, Australia saw the rise of coffee palaces, inspired by the glitz and glamour of Parisian coffee shops, which helped to popularise coffee.
These coffee palaces were fancy, alcohol-free zones where Australians could socialise and enjoy their coffee in style. At this time, espresso coffee was still a distant concept, but these palaces laid the groundwork for the future coffee culture. The Temperance Movement played a significant role too, promoting coffee as an alternative to alcohol, thus further elevating the status of coffee.
The Rise of Coffee Culture: Italian Influence and Espresso Machines
The mid-1900s saw Italian immigrants leaving a deep imprint on Australia’s coffee scene. They introduced an espresso culture, forever transforming the Australian coffee landscape. With the introduction of the first commercial espresso machine in 1928, Australians experienced high-quality coffee, which piqued their interest in fresh coffee beans and the intricacies of espresso.
The influence of the Italian café culture didn’t just stop at espresso machines. The imported European café culture significantly contributed to the formation of Australia’s own café and barista culture. These espresso machines, synonymous with Italy’s coffee history, played a vital role in shaping Australia’s specialty coffee culture, a legacy that endures today.
From Coffee Houses to Modern Cafés: Transformation of the Australian Coffee Scene
During the 1950s, espresso machines began to proliferate in Melbourne and Sydney, heralding the advent of Italian coffee houses and marking a significant shift in Australia’s coffee culture. Influenced by evolving cultural preferences, societal shifts, and gentrification in inner-city suburbs, these traditional coffee houses gradually evolved into contemporary cafes.
Such transformations have rendered the Australian café culture both diverse and intriguing. Today, consumers are not just looking for a caffeine fix but a mood-enhancing experience. The demand for alternative milk options and the rise of health-conscious consumers are shaping the modern Australian café scene.
A moment of appreciation is warranted for Melbourne, Australia’s coffee capital. With its rich history and the influence of Italian immigrants after World War II, Melbourne has been instrumental to the coffee culture in Australia. From its bustling city centre to its charming laneways, you’ll find a coffee shop at every corner, each with its unique style and flavour.
The baristas play a pivotal role in Melbourne’s coffee culture. They are the custodians of the city’s coffee scene, turning coffee beans into an art form. Their skill set, enthusiasm, and expertise have been instrumental in establishing Melbourne’s reputation as the epicentre of Australian coffee culture.
Australian cafes serve more than merely coffee. For those in the mood for something different, cafés serve an array of other beverages ranging from bubble tea, chai, and matcha to shakes, juices, and smoothies. Tea lovers can enjoy traditional English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Chamomile, and even unique Aussie-grown black tea and Eucalyptus-flavoured teas.
For a refreshing break, Australian cafés also offer a variety of smoothies, from health-focused superfood blends to indulgent flavours like Snickers and Pina Colada. And for those nostalgic for a classic soda, Aussie cafés have got you covered with favourites like co*ke, Sprite, Fanta, and the delightful Kirks Creaming Soda.
Cafe History in the United States
Cafe like Coffee Bar or any cafe bar
In the modern age of artisanal coffees and glossy-end machinery, it’s easy to get lost when thinking of the word “cafe.” The aroma of freshly brewed French Roast and the velvety feel of supple couch cushions floods the mind, but cafe culture is more than a simple pit stop for our daily cup of joe.
Cafes are structured around a few major components, two of the most prominent being the active sale of coffee and the people it draws in. Much like the deeply tangled web that is the coffee industry, cafes carefully balances the social, cultural, and economical motley that comes with both the beverage itself and the complications of being a public sanctuary.
Coffee may be the commodity that gave rise to the institution, but the population filing through the cafe doors provided the business its purpose. While American cafes saw their origins with the secondwaveof coffee starting in the mid-1960s.
In 1960s New York, coffee house culture was limited to Chock Full O’Nuts, a local chain that offered a modest cup of joe and a muffin on a good day, and a few mom-and-pop shops that managed to maintain integrity post-Depression. In 2020 America, the definition of “coffee house” has expanded.
The most recognizable modern cafes tend to be commercial chains that rose in response to coffee’s second wave. Unlike British cafes, which used its population to grant the cafe purpose, American cafes have benefited from the U.S. capitalist mentality. There is not one particular crowd associated with the American cafes — they are frequented by the well-dressed businessman on his way to work in the morning as often as the screenwriter set up to work at the espresso bar.
Vy the time During the late 20th century, asespresso and other specialty coffees became popular in theUnited States, many restaurants specializing in coffee opened. In the 1990s and early 2000s, some cafés began to offerInternetaccess to the public, giving rise to the so-called Internet café. In 2020 America, the definition of “coffee house” has expanded.
Popular Coffee Shops that’s worth a nationwide restaurant like Dunkin’ Donuts, Panera Bread and Starbucks.
Coffee Bars
Today, the idea of a coffee house brings to mind a cozy place that serves gourmet coffee and espresso drinks, with couches to lounge in while you sip. So how did the coffee house get its start? The history of the coffee house begins hundreds of years ago and certainly has changed over the years. A coffee bar should have a coffee maker of your choice, storage for coffee beans or capsules, and a coffee grinder if you use one. Include storage formugsor coffee cups so they are at the ready, as well as sugar or sweetener if you use it.And if you have room, include a toaster, a butter dish, and a selection of your favorite jams, or a cake stand with a glass cloche to store muffins or other baked goods. Coffee houses were serving regular coffee. Then came espresso. In 1946, Gaggia invented the commerical piston espresso machine, which was far easier to use and safer than earlier models. The Gaggia coffee bar, in Italy, was the first location to use these machines and to offer espresso along with the regular coffee. The modern age of coffee houses was born. Of course, the age-old coffee house should not be confused with the coffee shop of recent decades. Coffee shops are really restaurants that serve a typical menu of diner food, along with basic coffee. Tim Horton’s is a good example of a popular coffee shop that has somewhat transcended the basic ‘diner’ and though they serve a wide menu of food, they are known across the country for their excellent coffee. Even so, I wouldn’t class them as a coffee house because they don’t serve espresso or any espresso-based drinks. Some cites that had like hipsters and run by young entrepreneurs would love to add a coffee bar by playing calming music, have a drink at the bar or read the latest trend on the magazine or write a blog if you want to get some time to yourself. Some Coffee Bars should open late for people who are nocturnal or people who wants to have a fun time after a night out hitting and bars and nightclubs or shows of an event. They can also serve late night treats.
Creative Cafes like Pet Cafe
Cat cafés allow people without pets to enjoy the company of friendly kitties. Most offer some refreshments, but the cats are clearly the big draw. From massive cat towers to vertigo-inducing runs hugging the ceiling, these cafés are usually full of toys and cat towers for the felines to nap.
The first cat café in the world, Cat Flower Garden, opened in Taipei, Taiwan in 1998. The restaurant quickly became popular among local patrons and tourists, primarily from Japan. Just a few years later, in 2004, the world’s second cat café opened in Osaka, Japan, and cat cafés began opening in North America in 2014. Cat cafés became popular mostly due to the combination of having friendly cats around while being at a café.
Cat cafés first rose to popularity not in Taiwan, where the concept originated, but in Japan-Osaka, to be exact. And even then, the idea took a while to gain traction. The first cat café in Japan didn’t start serving customers until 2004. Cat cafés quickly became popular throughout Japan, and the country has more than 150 cafés, more than 35 of which are located in Tokyo, where apartments are often too small to comfortablv house pets.
Tokyo’s cat cafés take things to an entirely new level, often featuring simply gorgeous interiors highlighted by stunning feline-friendly features. The first cat café in North America opened in Montreal in 2014. Before long, cat lovers in Oakland and New York City could head to their own local establishments. By 2019, more than 120 cat cafés had cropped up around the United States.
Some cafés serve coffee and tea in one area and have a separate space for the cats to hang out. Others combine the two, allowing people to sit and have a piece of cake while enjoying the feline company. Many have fun write-ups about the individual cats, with information about the animal’s background, age, and breed.
Some cat cafés are run by rescue organizations and double as adoption centers, giving potential cat parents a way to meet pets looking for a forever home. And others are “staffed” exclusively by stray cats who have no intention of going anywhere.
Most require reservations, but some accept walk-ins if there’s enough space. The vast majority limit the number of human visitors to prevent overwhelming the cats. And all have strict rules against pestering and harassing the residents. Many permit petting but prefer for the cats not to be picked up. Others don’t allow patrons to pet or touch the cats at all.
The future of Cafe
2024 could be the vear when the use of coffee extracts and concentrates becomes more widespread. These concentrated coffee essences offer a perfect solution for efficiency and speed of service, especially in the growing market of cold coffees and ready-to-drink (RTD) products. Coffee extracts not only speed up service and ensure consistency of flavor but also open up opportunities for businesses to grow and scale at a faster pace. This trend has the potential to revolutionize the industry in the coming year.
Education and Exploration: Upgrading Coffee at Home
The coffee bean sales have seen a remarkable 14.3% increase since last year, with consumers seeking out fresher and fuller flavors. While instant coffee remains popular, more and more consumers are upgrading their at-home coffee experience. To support and encourage this shift, retailers may take inspiration from the wine aisles by educating consumers about different origins, roasts, and flavor profiles. This approach empowers shoppers to tailor their coffee purchases to their own tastes and explore new flavors in the world of coffee.
Consumers’ awareness of the carbon footprint of their coffee is expected to grow in 2024, with more than 50% actively looking for sustainably sourced options. Sustainable sourcing is crucial as the land suitable for growing coffee is predicted to decline by 50% by 2050. To address this issue, new EU legislation coming into force in late 2024 will prioritize the sourcing of coffee from deforestation-free land. While individual efforts are commendable, meaningful change requires commitment from the wider industry, and we hope to see more progress in this area in 2024.
Functional Coffees and Coffee with a Cause
In 2024, consumers will continue to seek coffee that offers more than just a great taste and a caffeine kick. Functional coffees, infused with ingredients like botanicals and proteins for added health benefits, saw significant growth this year. Options like antioxidant-rich turmeric lattes and CBD coffees caught consumer attention, but it remains to be seen if this growth will continue. Additionally, “coffee with a cause” brands, which support various charitable initiatives, will thrive in 2024, as consumers seek to align their coffee choices with their values
