My first memory of coffee is the aroma. Whether it was a special occasion at my grandmother’s house or a camping trip in my teens.
My grandmother had one of those old fashioned perculators that had the small glass dome on top where coffee splashed up into as it boiled. It entranced me for hours; the aroma was so “woody”. Then there was that morning cup of instant coffee my parents used to make around the campfire. All the scents of breakfast outdoors mingled into one for me; the strong coffee aroma; the bacon fat in the frying pan; the fresh outdoor air of the campsite. Then mix that with the distant sound of waves splashing on the beach (My dad always loved camping as close to the beach as possible). All of these are coffee triggers for me…..going have one now!
What is truly amazing about all the coffee stimulus for me at a young age, is that I did not start drinking coffee until my final year of university. I needed that caffeine boost for all nighters writing several papers and getting all my readings done.
Early Coffee History
Coffee is the most consumed beverage in the world. It is also one of the oldest beverages known to man. There are some who say that coffee has existed since 3000 BC, while other say it existed as early as 5000 BC.
It is hard to exactly pinpoint when coffee was discovered, but we do know that it was a part of history from very early on. The first mention of coffee was in a Sufi text written by an Iraqi scholar and physician named Rhazes who lived from 865 AD to 925 AD.
Coffee was originally considered a medicine, and people would drink it for its health benefits or religious purposes. It wasn’t until the 1600s that people started drinking it for pleasure and not simply because they had a headache or needed to stay awake during long nights studying for exams.
Coffee consumption made its way into Europe via Malta and Turkey. In the 1500 & 1600s, it became the “alcohol” of its time. With groups protesting in front of the newly formed coffeehouses in Vienna and London
Types of Coffee Beans
In North America, one generally finds one of two types of beans:
- Arabica: These beans are a little more sweet and have a more complex flavour and tends to be less acidic than other beans. These beans are cultivated in areas with high elevations above sea level where there is a high rainfall. Countries like Brazil, who is the biggest exporter of Arabica.
- Robusta: Popular in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Robusta has a much higher caffeine content than Arabica. The best of these beans have a chocolate and or a rum flavour hint. But overall the palette can have a burnt or rubbery taste. Many brands mixed have mixed Arabica and Robusta at a 3 to 1 ratio.
- Liberica: Primarily a product of the Philippines, Liberica beans are a rarity. The climate in which they grow best is extremely specific and it has been hard to transplant them elsewhere in the world. Their aroma is fruity or flowery with a “woody” taste.
- Excelsa: While a member of the Liberica family, it is actually distinct and separate genus. Grown primarily in Southeast Asia, it is a tart and fruitier flavour.
There is no “right” or “wrong” answer to what coffee to drink. People drink coffee for different reasons, and it’s up to them what they want.
It is important to remember that there are many different types of coffees out there, and that one should not be too hard on themselves when they can’t find a type that suits their needs. It’s also important to keep in mind that coffee has a lot of health benefits aside from just getting people awake in the morning, so as long as it’s being consumed responsibly (no more than 3 cups a day), then it should be okay!
Please note: the opinions expressed in this document should never be construed as advice. The thoughts are base on my experiences. My likes and dislikes may vary drastically from yours. Do your research and find products and experiences that align with your likes and dislikes.
Al of Big Al’s Coffee Club. From the time in my youth, when I would lay on our garage roof watching planes traverse the skies above me, I knew I wanted to see the world.
My passion grew after spending a semester of my university days in Barcelona. I spent more time on trains and buses than I did in class.
After earning my BA from Carleton University, life got in the way. But I did find time to graduate again from George Brown in Fitness and Lifestyle Management and then work my way through most of a degree in Sports Administration. However I needed to find work and pay for all this education!
It wasn’t until my “middle age” did I start exploring the world again. First, transversing the US and Canada to take part in tennis tournaments. Then later to complete my spectator “grand slam” of tennis.
I accomplished this while earning my certificate in photography from Toronto Metropolitan University. I am now combining the two passions and now sharing with you my many lessons learned.
