Beverages

Coffee

Coffee is the world's most popular psychoactive substance. Over 2 billion cups are consumed every day, making it one of the most traded commodities on Earth after crude oil.

Quick Facts

• Origin — Ethiopia, 9th century (legend of Kaldi the goat herder)
• Daily Consumption — 2.25 billion cups worldwide
• Top Producers — Brazil (40% of world supply), Vietnam, Colombia
• Caffeine Content — 95mg per 8oz cup (average)
• Species — Arabica (60-70% of production) and Robusta

The Two Main Species

• Arabica — Higher quality, complex flavors, grown at higher altitudes. More expensive, lower caffeine (1.2-1.5%). Makes up most specialty coffee.
• Robusta — Stronger, more bitter, higher caffeine (2.2-2.7%). Easier to grow, disease-resistant. Often used in espresso blends and instant coffee.

Brewing Methods

• Espresso — High pressure (9 bars) forces hot water through finely ground coffee. Base for lattes, cappuccinos, americanos.
• Pour Over — Hot water poured over grounds in a filter (V60, Chemex). Clean, bright flavors. Takes 3-4 minutes.
• French Press — Coarse grounds steep in hot water, then pressed. Full-bodied, oils retained. 4 minute steep.
• Drip/Auto — The standard American coffee maker. Convenient, consistent.
• Cold Brew — Coarse grounds steeped in cold water 12-24 hours. Smooth, low acidity, naturally sweet.
• AeroPress — Pressure brewing in a compact device. Versatile, great for travel.
• Moka Pot — Stovetop Italian method. Strong, espresso-like. The Bialetti is iconic.

Roast Levels

• Light Roast — Higher acidity, more origin flavor, highest caffeine. Light brown color.
• Medium Roast — Balanced flavor, medium brown. Most popular in America.
• Dark Roast — Bold, smoky, bitter notes. Lower caffeine despite the strong taste. Oily surface.

The History

Coffee originated in Ethiopia, where legend says a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats becoming energetic after eating berries from a certain tree. By the 15th century, coffee was being cultivated in Yemen and traded across the Arabian Peninsula.

Coffee houses (qahveh khaneh) spread through the Middle East and became centers of social activity, earning the nickname "schools of the wise." Coffee reached Europe in the 17th century, initially met with suspicion—Pope Clement VIII was asked to ban it as the "bitter invention of Satan" but instead blessed it after tasting it.

The Boston Tea Party in 1773 made coffee the patriotic American beverage. Today, the specialty coffee movement emphasizes single-origin beans, lighter roasts, and artisanal brewing methods.

Caffeine Effects

• Peak Effect — 30-60 minutes after consumption
• Half-Life — 5-6 hours (varies by individual)
• Benefits — Increased alertness, improved concentration, enhanced physical performance
• Recommended Limit — 400mg/day (about 4 cups) for most adults