Coffee

It is the world's most popular beverage. More than 400 billion cups of the stuff are consumed each year. It is a world commodity that is second only to oil. Most of us need at least one cup of it in the morning before we are audible and able to move. My husband needs several cups before his humanity is apparent. I am speaking, of course, about coffee.

Coffee's genesis is said to have begun with an Ethiopian shepherd. It seems the fellow observed a change of behavior in his goats when they ate berries from a particular plant. The goats became lively and stayed up all night. When the shepherd told the local monks of the phenomenon, the monks tasted the berries for themselves. They too became lively and alert, and recognized that sort of alertness was the perfect antidote for late night prayer sessions. Whether the legend is true or not, the caffeine laden, berries were probably cultivated as early as A.D. 575.

Coffee as we know it, probably got its start in Turkey. Beans were first roasted and brewed around A.D. 1000. The drink was called "qahwa," literally meaning, "that which prevents sleep." By the 13th century, Muslims were drinking it religiously. As Islam spread throughout the world, so did coffee.

In the mid-1600's, Venetian trade merchants brought coffee to Europe. Many Christians feared the beverage would cause corruption--all those alert people running around could only lead to problems. The pope was quickly called in to banish the drink. Pope Clement VII decided to taste the accused "devil's drink," before condemning the beverage, but upon tasting decided instead to perform a coffee-baptism. The pope exclaimed, "Coffee is so delicious, it would be a pity to let the infidels have exclusive use of it."

Coffee houses spread quickly throughout Europe and became places where folks gathered and discussed current events, politics, religion, war, etc. In England, these places were called "penny houses," since a penny would get you admission and a cup of coffee. Interestingly, "tips" were invented in these houses. A tin cup was placed next to a sign that read, "TIPS: To Insure Prompt Service," If you threw in a coin, you would get a better seat and better service.

Coffee became the national drink of colonized America as a way to further protest high British taxes--think the Boston Tea Party.

I know one or two non-coffee drinkers, but not many. Starbucks, Caribou and other coffee houses are now hangouts for today's youth, and words like "Cappuccino, espresso, and café au lait are no longer European-sounding words, but seem as American as Coca Cola.

My parents, coffee drinkers to be sure, are astounded by the popularity of gourmet coffee. They are incredulous that anyone would go into a coffee shop for a cup of coffee and a muffin and spend close to eight dollars. They are baffled that there are no free refills. Of course, they also vividly remember when a cup of coffee cost a nickel. My husband is not particularly fond of coffee houses either. He complains they have their own language. There is no small, medium or large. It is tall, grande, jumbo, etc. There is no such thing as plain coffee, you have to know the name of the drink: Mocha java, French Roast (probably not the most popular roast at present), Breakfast Blend, etc. Whether you go for a plain or fancy cup of java, if you like coffee, you will love these recipes.

Adlen Robinson is a free lance food writer and columnist. Feel free to send her an email with your questions at [email protected].