It would be safe to say the American culture is as much in love with coffee and café life as our ancestors were centuries ago. This romance with coffee began in Eastern Africa some time in the 5th century and has become a ‘lifestyle’, a part of our every day lives. Now, in the 21st century, we are still in love with coffee, the tradition, and the culture.
There are different accounts of when and where the history of coffee begins. The earliest account is 1000 BC. In 1000 AD the first investigation into the chemical make up of coffee was conducted and documented. In the 5th Century Monks began combining coffee beans with animal fat by rolling them, then eating these rolls. The effects were similar to eating an energy bar. The invigoration and energy felt after eating these coffee beans was transforming. After witnessing the effects of coffee beans, a certain monk felt this invigorating treat was against religious beliefs. He protested by throwing the coffee beans into a fire, thus roasting these coffee beans for the first time. The aroma was irresistible, even to him. This began the journey into the ways coffee would be consumed.
Many people in history have gone to great lengths to introduce the coffee plant, a fruit, into different countries around the world. Whether by trading, or stealing and smuggling, or gifting one to another, coffee traveled from Africa across the Red Sea to Arabia, then India, Europe, to the Netherlands, Indonesia, Martinique, and in then to Brazil where it was introduced to the Americas. Today, coffee can be found growing in at least 70 countries around the world, including the United States. It is estimated that the coffee industry employs 75 million people around the world. It is at least a $90 billion dollar a year industry.
The culture of coffee has gone through changes. Many of us will remember the time when coffee was purchased in cans and prepared in perculators at home. This was the first wave of coffee culture. Next, the second wave of coffee culture came with new cafes that got us out of the house, away from home to socialize. This Third wave that we are experiencing now, began simply with a passion for excellence.
Today, the Third Wave culture of coffee represents excellence in care given to serving the finest and freshest coffees found around the world. It is associated with providing not only quality but also fresh coffee. From the sourcing and purchasing of green coffee beans, to roasting and packaging the final product, third wave coffee roasters are passionate, always striving for perfection and excellence in every respect. At Espresso Cielo, excellence is a core value and we strive to serve you the best, always.
