Coffee Culture

So, for all of you faithful reader(s) out there (Hi Mom!), you will have noticed that today I am scheduled to discuss coffee.  Yup, that good stuff that people drink all the time.  Coffee is SO good that it is now the second most traded commodity in the world.  Can you guess what the first might be...?  Here's a hint: it's slimy, shiny & doesn't mix well in the Gulf of Mexico.  For now, however, coffee will take up most of our discussion today...

Growing & producing coffee is definitely a tricky thing. It all starts with an evergreen tree.  This tree produces red cherries, which when opened reveal green coffee beans.  These are then roasted to make the brown colored beans that we are so familiar with.  Coffee is grown all over the world, fifty-three countries to be exact.  Woww!  These countries all lie on the southern latitude along the equator.  This is commonly referred to as the "Bean Belt."  Brazil is the largest producer of coffee, closely followed by Columbia and Mexico.     The two most common varieties of coffee are arabica and robusta.  Arabica coffee is consumed the most throughout the world.  It is mild and aromatic.  Robusta coffee comes from Brazil and Southeast Asia.  It's flavor is more bitter and contains 50% more caffeine than Arabica.

Coffee is a wonderful beverage to consume.  Contrary to popular beliefs, coffee can be quite good for you, in moderate amounts.  Three 6-7oz cups a day can provide about the same amount of hydration that water can in the same amount.  Coffee also contains high amounts of antioxidants and phytochemicals, including antioxidants most commonly found in fruits and veggies that improve your glucose metabolism (how fast your body metabolizes fat).

Caffeine is a major component of coffee.  An average 8oz cup may contain anywhere between 60-130 mg.  Caffeine helps with alertness, and may even enhance athletic performance.  In studies conducted in over 1 million people, caffeine consumption has shown to reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease in men.  In a study conducted in a group of women, coffee consumption cut the risk of cardiovascular disease and alcoholic cirrhosis.  These are pretty awesome facts for all you coffee addicts! :)

I just recently learned a few tips on how to store my coffee/grinds for optimal flavor.  If you can, always grind your coffee beans right before brewing.  This will maximize the flavor.  The finer the grounds, the quicker they will brew.  Also, the darker the roast, the stronger & more bitter the flavor will be.  Interesting enough, using cold water will give you the best flavor for your coffee (hmmmm...I'll try that tomorrow morning).  Last but not least, never freeze your coffee beans/grounds because this allows moisture to accumulate, which may result in unwanted odors, yuck!

If you have a compost in your garden, throw leftover coffee grinds/filters in it.  If you don't own a compost, get one...or just use the leftover coffee grinds in a marinade for meats.  Soon, you'll be the most resourceful person on the block!

If anyone ever wants to drink coffee with me, please do.  I love the coffee culture and the happy people that enjoy it too!