World Coffee Day It is celebrated on October 1st, an event dedicated to honoring the beverage that accompanies us. From its origin in Africa to its expansion across the rest of the planet, coffee is much more than just a drink; it is a key element in the cultures and economies of many countries.
What is the origin of World Coffee Day?
World Coffee Day was established in 2015 by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), with the aim of recognizing the millions of coffee farmers and promoting fair trade. Although coffee has been appreciated for centuries, this modern celebration allows the global community to highlight the importance of sustainability in coffee production and distribution.
International Coffee Organization video for 2023
The Importance of Coffee in Global Culture
From humble beginnings in the 16th century of the Arab worldCoffee has been a mainstay in the social and cultural life of many civilizations. Those early cups of coffee were not only considered a pick-me-up for the body, but also became the meeting place for people. In these spaces, people gathered to socialize, share ideas, and forge meaningful connections.
Upon arriving in Europe, the café found its place in vibrant cities for intellectuals, artists and thinkers such as Paris, Vienna or London. These spaces, known as “literary cafes” or “bohemian cafes,” They emerged as authentic cultural epicentres, where the exchange of ideas and creativity was one of the key objectives.
In literary cafés, the gatherings were the soul of the experience. They met to debate literature, politics, art and philosophy, creating an environment that stimulated the mind and imagination. Prominent figures such as Voltaire, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir Not only did they visit these cafés for inspiration, but they also contributed to a rich intellectual conversation that resonated beyond their walls.
Bohemian cafés, on the other hand, offered a refuge to artists, musicians and dreamers. With a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, they became places conducive to creativity and self-expression. Iconic places such as the Flore's Coffee and Les Deux Magots in Paris became famous for hosting legendary talents such as Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway and Jean-Paul Sartre.
Today, despite technology and social media, cafés still hold a special place in social life. They remain vital spaces for cultural encounters, where people can disconnect from daily routine, share stories and enjoy the company of others. Coffee maintains the experience the essence of what they have always been: a place of dialogue, connection and creativity.
Is Coffee Good or Bad? What Harvard Nutrition Says
The debate over whether coffee is beneficial or harmful to health has been ongoing over the years. However, according to the Harvard Nutrition Section, there are several notable benefits that are worth considering.
Coffee is an excellent source of caffeine, which helps improve concentration and alertness. It also Contains vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and magnesium, essential nutrients that play a crucial role in various body functions.
This popular drink is loaded with plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. These substances include polyphenols (such as chlorogenic acid and quinic acid) and diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol). These compounds may contribute to disease protection and inflammation reduction.
Several studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption may be associated with a lower incidence of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Contrary to what many might think, the most beneficial way to enjoy coffee does not involve adding large amounts of sugar or artificial creamers. To maximize its benefits, it is recommended to consume black coffee or coffee with minimal additives. In addition, it is preferable to opt for preparation methods that minimize unwanted oils, like filtered coffee.
Coffee panna cotta
If you are a coffee lover, we invite you to prepare this simple and irresistible recipe. This Italian dessert combines the smoothness of cream with the intense flavor of coffee, creating a perfect experience for lovers of this drink.
Preparation: 1 hour
Dough rest: 3 hours
Ingredients for 4 pieces
- 400ml of cream
- 30 g coffee beans
- 75 g of sugar
- 2 or 3 sheets of gelatin (4-6g)
How to prepare coffee panna cotta step by step
Step 1:
We start by putting the cream in a saucepan along with the coffee beans and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to infuse for a few minutes. 30 minutes, allowing the coffee flavor to integrate well with the cream.
Pots and pans
Step 2:
While the mixture rests, we put gelatin sheets to hydrate in a deep dish with plenty of cold water. This will allow the leaves to soften and be ready to be dissolved in the cream.
Step 3:
TAfter half an hour infusion, remove the coffee beans from the cream. Then, drain the gelatin sheets and add them to the hot mixture, stirring well until they dissolve completely.
Step 4:
Once the gelatin has fully integrated, we divide the mixture into several individual molds. Then, we place them in the fridge for at least three hours, allowing the panna cotta to set and acquire its smooth, creamy texture.