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Celebrate Coffee History on October 1

Celebrate Coffee History on October 1

September 26, 2015794Views

coffee historyWould you like to be a part of coffee history? October 1, 2015 is the first official International Coffee Day, a day to appreciate all the energizing and aromatic joys of our favorite morning (or anytime) beverage.

Did you know that coffee is second only to oil as the most valuable legally traded commodity in the world? Much like oil provides fuel for our many mechanical devices, coffee gets us going in the morning and keeps us moving through the day. It can be a first date or a girls day out, it can partner with a good book on a rainy afternoon or help you power through a dull meeting. It can be hot or iced, sweet or bitter.

The origins of coffee are steeped in legend. The most accepted tale of its discovery dates back to the mid-800s and the story of an Ethiopian goat herder, who noticed his animals getting quite energetic and playful after eating red berries of a local shrub. He munched a few himself, with the same eye opening results. Early coffee drinks used the whole berry; the 13th century saw the coffee bean begin to be roasted and resemble the version we enjoy today. Widely consumed in the Middle East and Europe, it wasn’t until after a certain historic event – the Boston Tea Party – that American Colonials embraced coffee’s full-bodied tastiness.

Being such a money maker, the coffee farming and production market is historically a harsh one for the grower. Coffee farmers endure difficult workdays, low wages, and harsh work environments. As such, a market for “ethically grown” coffees has started to grow.

If you’re willing to invest more into your favorite beverage, and get a great taste profile in return, you can order or purchase coffees that are friendlier to the farmer. “Fair Trade Certified” is one to look for. These distributors guarantee a minimum paid to the farmer, meaning more money is going into the pocket of the person growing the coffee rather than the company selling it. Watch out for terms like “direct trade” or “shade grown.” These monikers look great on the package and, if true, are good, but these claims are not regulated, rendering them somewhat meaningless.

coffee historyOne of the best certifications to look for is “bird friendly certified.” Monitored by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, this requires a strict adherence to guidelines for shade grown coffee, mandating things like canopy height. It also carries an organic requirement, so you know you are getting organic as well. October 1 is the day to brew up a delicious cup of history.

Images via trophygeekMollenborg