Coffee

As you sit and drink your morning java, it may help you to know that you are imbibing a long-respected beverage.

While most of us think of coffee as a single species of plant and a single type of beverage, it is interesting to learn that there are more than 500 genera and more than 6,000 species in the Rubiaceae family of plants of which coffee is just one genus. Most of these varieties are either coffee shrubs or tropical trees that grow upwards of 30 feet. Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer. Of these many types, Robusta and Arabica coffees are the main types used.

Historians believe that coffee originated in Ethiopia but spread into Arabia. Its ability to help people stay alert made it a useful secret weapon at first.

Iced coffee seems like a fairly new innovation, but really it isn’t. It is believed that coffee was not originally a hot drink. It was originally drunk with the grounds. Arabic peoples used it in religious ceremonies and as a medicine, but not as a beverage until about the year 1000 A.D. Eventually people tried to drink just the liquid and leave the grounds alone. As people discovered how coffee helped them to stay alert, coffee became more popular. As civilization progressed, coffee houses were created so people could enjoy the beverage and socialize in groups.

Gradually people discovered the pleasures of hot coffee. They began drinking it in their homes, usually as part of a ceremony. Coffee became a very important part of Arabic culture. It is believed that at least one Turkish woman was allowed to divorce because her husband refused to give her coffee. For a time, it was forbidden to take coffee out of the Muslim world.

However, explorers brought coffee from Constantinople, Turkey, to Venice, Italy and thus began coffee’s conquest of Europe. Originally, it is said that Catholic priests forbade the use of coffee, because of its origins in Arabic/Islamic culture. Some said coffee was given to the Islamic peoples by God because they were forbidden to drink wine. One report says one of the popes investigated coffee’s properties and was so enticed by the aroma he tasted it, even, some say, baptizing it. At any rate, his approval of the beverage lead to the spread of its use across Italy and then the rest of Europe.

Whether baptized by the Pope or not, coffee and its caffeine is truly considered to be a blessing by many. By 1940, the U.S. was importing 70 percent of the world’s coffee crop.

Today coffee can be found in just about every nation on earth and is clearly one of the world’s most popular drinks. That’s a fun fact to savor with your morning brew.

Robert Carlton very often produces reports on problems associated with bunn home coffee maker and bunn coffee machines. You might come across his observations on bunn coffee makers at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com and different sources for bunn coffee makers knowledge.

Author: Robert J. Carlton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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In today’s coffee crazed world, everyone wants more coffee. Small coffee cups evolved into huge commuter mugs. Tiny paper cups to go became oversize cardboard vats to go. As the popularity of coffee soars and people can’t get enough of this rich beverage, bulk coffee sales are going through the roof.

In the past, only major corporations purchased in bulk. Over the past couple of decades, customers discovered the benefits of warehouse shopping. With a membership card, everyday people were buying all their basics in bulk and saving a bundle. Many products, including gourmet coffee, are now available in bulk at membership warehouses, local grocery stores and online retailers.

Do you remember the days when the boss sent employees to get office supplies? With the advent of Internet retailers delivering overnight, most companies order online now to save time and money. Are you still sending someone out to get coffee for the office everyday? While a trip for a gourmet latte is irresistible, going out for coffee can also become time-consuming and costly. According to the 2005 Harris Interactive Report, it takes three times longer for a worker to go get coffee outside than it does to get some at the office.

But is it possible to get a rich, delicious cup of coffee in the office? Whether the java tastes good or not, the Mintel Group found 31 percent of coffee drinkers get their favorite beverage at work. The boss can save time and money for everyone by buying wholesale coffee beans for the office. Many officers are setting up sophisticated coffee counters for the employees so they can enjoy their favorite energizing beverage without leaving work.

The boss also benefits from having wholesale coffee delivered to the office. When employees are happy, they work more efficiently. The National Coffee Drinking Trends 2008 report revealed 61 percent of coffee drinkers feel it improves their mental focus and 59 percent said they were more productive.

Besides increased mental focus and productivity, coffee offers the additional benefit of antioxidants. Harmful effects, such as cell damage and accelerated aging, are caused by free radicals. Antioxidants fight free radicals to keep your cells healthier and combat the risk of cancer and heart disease. When you enjoy your next cup of coffee, you can feel good about it, too.

This gourmet pleasure is not exclusively for companies and offices. Research also revealed 83 percent of coffee aficionados grab a cup at home. You can buy your own coffee equipment for roasting, grinding and brewing and get bulk coffee beans at online retailers. All the supplies are delivered to your door and you can create your own comforting coffee bar right at home.

With bulk coffee sales you can purchase wholesale coffee beans for your office and home from IntelligentsiaCoffee.com. While cafs, restaurants and delis still buy most of the bulk coffee beans Intelligentsia Coffee also caters to individuals and small groups.

Author: Alice Lane
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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