All About Great Tasting Coffee

Coffee is a beverage in every country in the world. Granted, the coffee in different countries varies in taste, strength and how it is brewed. The history of coffee is long and well documented. Coffee is known by many names across the world. The Arab traders of yesteryear called it Gahwah. The Spice Islands’ name for it was Java. Ancient Portuguese explorers called it café. That word is often used to mean a gathering place that serves coffee in many countries now. It stands to reason that coffee is most often a shared experience between friends.

Scientists believe that coffee was born in Ethiopia and was a food rather than a beverage. Coffee was actually used as a replacement for wine. The drinking of wine was (and is) forbidden by Islamic law. Coffee was first used in religious ceremonies in place of wine. Coffee plants were considered so valuable that removing one was punishable by death. (I’ve been dying for a cup of coffee before, but that seems a little extreme).

Turks pulverized coffee beans, mixed them with water and spices in the thirteenth century to make what we know as Turkish coffee. These spices included Cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. It is believed that Venetian traders may have smuggled coffee plants out of the East and into Italy.

Over the centuries we have learned a lot about coffee, especially how important it is to store it in airtight containers. Air is the biggest thief of coffee flavor and freshness, whether the beans are whole or ground. Coffee should always be stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place. Never in a refrigerator or freezer. Correct storage is one of the major secrets of producing a fresh, great tasting cup of coffee. For great coffee machines and accessories have a look at our shop.

Other helpful articles such as How Drinking Coffee Benefits Your Health and What You Need To Know About Coffee Grinders.