National Coffee Day – September 29, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
While the U.S. and Canada celebrate National Coffee Day on September 29, other nations mark this day throughout the calendar. International Coffee Day happens just two days later on October 1. The International Coffee Organization has pledged to help struggling coffee farmers worldwide make a living wage.
History of National Coffee Day
The origins of coffee are told through stories of a 9th century goat herder who discovered that his goats had more energy when eating berries from a specific tree. By the 15th century coffee began being exported from Ethiopia to Yemen and other places in Arabia where it is consumed as a beverage.
At this same time, coffee houses began to pop up in Cairo, Egypt, particularly around a religious university that was associated with Sufism, and they also moved into Syria. Coffee houses became not only a place to drink a beverage but also featured various social activities.
As the popularity of coffee spread throughout Arabia through Italy, to Europe and on, its stimulating properties became questionable by those in religious practices – but that didn’t stop the growth and development of this prominent beverage. It has now become a favorite all over the globe.
National Coffee Day seems to have gotten its start around 2005 and has become a way to enjoy and celebrate this delightful and highly beloved beverage!
NATIONAL COFFEE DAY TIMELINE
1400s
Coffee Growth and Trade Begins
Coffee becomes a commodity used for trade and commerce in Arabia’s Yemeni district.
1500s
Coffee Becomes a Middle Eastern “Thing”
Along with tea, thirsty people start drinking coffee throughout the Middle East in countries like Persia (modern-day Iran,) Turkey, Egypt, and Syria.
1600s
Europe Gets a Taste
When European traders and merchants discover coffee in the Middle East, the brew’s popularity catches on and spreads throughout the continent.
Mid 1600’s
Coffee Arrives in the Colonies
The British bring coffee with them to New Amsterdam, modern-day New York City, and a morning craving is born!
1723
One Seedling Starts It All
Coffee in the Americas and the Caribbean comes from a single seedling transported to Martinique by a French naval officer.
2012
“Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee”
Jerry Seinfeld combines classic cars, cute coffee shops, and the world’s top comedians to create improvised TV vignettes.
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5 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHILE YOU SATISFY YOUR COFFEE JONES
Coffee brought folks together
In England, early coffee houses, increasingly known as “Schools for the Wise,” became gathering places for intellectual pursuits, entertainment and table games, like chess.
In Japan, you can soak in coffee at the spa
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun hot springs spa gives you the option to soak in a coffee bath, along with 26 other choices including red wine, sake or green tea.
Sweden tried death by coffee — it didn’t work
In 1746, Swedish King Gustav III ordered doctors to monitor how long it took convicted murderers to die after drinking cups of coffee, according to the National Coffee Association.
Coffee bean is a misnomer — it’s a fruit
You probably already know this but, to be clear, coffee springs from the fruit of a bush and the so-called “bean,” is the pit.
Beethoven was practically obsessive-compulsive about coffee
Before drinking his morning brew, the composer, Beethoven, actually counted out 60 coffee beans for each cup he brewed.
How to Celebrate National Coffee Day
For many people, coffee is their reason for getting out of bed in the morning! It’s a morning treat, an afternoon pick me up, or even an evening drink to help stay awake. National Coffee Day pays heed to all of these and everything in between.
Try out some of these ways to celebrate:
Drink a Cup of Coffee
Whether going out to a coffee house, ordering at a restaurant or staying in to brew a cup at home, the first thing to do on this day (and for some people, every day) is to drink a cup of coffee!
In honor of National Coffee Day, be sure to savor and appreciate it a little more. Those who aren’t big fans of black coffee still have plenty of options: coffee ice cream, coffee milkshakes, and even coffee flavored liqueur.
Visit a Coffee House
National Coffee Day is the ideal time to head over to a favorite coffee house, whether a local establishment or a chain, and enjoy a Cup o’ Joe. In fact, some coffee places might offer a discount or even a free cup of coffee in honor of this day.
While visiting a coffee shop on National Coffee Day, perhaps take this as an opportunity to enjoy coffee in a unique and different way than usual. Make it special by turning black coffee into a delicious coffee-based dessert drink like a frappe or a coffee flavored milkshake.
Whatever kind of coffee you enjoy on this day, don’t forget to thank the barista and perhaps give them an extra tip in honor of National Coffee Day!
Try a New Method of Brewing Coffee
Brewing coffee at home can actually be a lot of fun! It has the power to make unique and interesting flavors come out and allows that morning cup of coffee to be even more exciting and exotic. Many people have automatic drip coffee makers that they use with pre-ground coffee. But in honor of National Coffee Day, it’s time to level up that coffee game.
Perhaps invest in an at-home coffee grinder, a french press, Chemex drip brewer, Aeropress, siphon coffee pot or Moka pot. Those who may feel a bit intimidated by these methods of brewing can hop onto YouTube and find tons of videos that help make the process easier. Also, to make that cup of coffee taste amazing, don’t forget the other important equipment like a water filter, coffee grinder and a scale for measuring beans and water.
