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The first cafes opened in Istanbul in the late 16th century, and within
a few decades, coffee houses appeared throughout the Mediterranean.
Coffee-roasting shops began to appear in Europe during the 18th century,
as coffee drinking became widespread on the continent. These shops
usually sold tea, spices, and coffee, which they purchased as green beans
and roasted as needed. They blended beans from different stocks;
coffee tastes and preferences in each nation were influenced by the types
of coffee beans which traders obtained from their colonial sources.
Late in the 18th century, coffee shops became popular in Britain's North
American colonies as well, after the British imposed a heavy tax on tea
imported by their American subjects. Indeed, the founding fathers
of the United States met in coffeehouses to develop their strategies for
the new nation.
How much do people like their coffee? Well, along with water and
tea, coffee is one of the three most popular beverages. Northern
Europeans drink the most coffee — about 11 kilograms, or 24 pounds,
per year. Germans drink about 9 kilograms of coffee per year, while
the French drink about 6 kilograms per year. Italians and Americans
drink about 4 to 5 kilograms, or 10 pounds, of coffee each year.
On average, people drink about one third as much coffee as the amount of
water they consume. That's quite a bit! After crude oil and
all of its derivatives, coffee is the second most traded commodity in the
world today.
If you are not impressed yet, consider that seven million tons of coffee
are forecasted to be produced annually by the year 2010!
| Coffee Variety: | Arabica | Robusta |
| Species: |
Coffea arabica |
Coffea canephora |
| Growing altitude: |
3000 - 6000 ft. |
sea level - 3000 ft. |
| Process method: | wet process | dry process |
| Caffeine content: | 0.8 - 1.5 % | 1.6 - 2.5 % |
| Taste: | mild | bitter |
| Relative price: | high | low |
There are two types of coffee plant. Coffea Arabica, considered the
tastier of the two, is native to Ethiopia and has been grown in Arabia
for more than a thousand years. Coffea Robusta is generally grown
where Arabica won't thrive. It does not have as much flavor, and is
cheaper to buy than Arabica. It is quite bitter, and is often used
in espresso to achieve a foamy head. To your right is a table which
shows the main attributes of the Arabica and Robusto coffee species.
Within the general Arabica and Robusta species, there are many different
coffee varieties, each with their own subtle flavor distinctions.
Many of these coffees are available in both caffeinated and decaffeinated
versions.
A major misconception about coffee is that it comes from beans. This
is not strictly true! What you think of as beans are actually coffee
seeds. Coffee roasters roast these
seeds to give every coffee its distinct flavor.
Coffee is such a staple at our homes and offices, that many people take
advantage of a coffee delivery service. These convenient services can help
ensure that you always have the ingredients for a hot cup of java on hand!
CoffeeShop.us features a convenient directory of online coffee shops and
coffee roasters, as well as an overview of coffee varieties. You can
also learn about the coffee growing and coffee roasting processes.
Please browse through our coffee resources, and shop for a good selection
of gourmet coffees and coffee gifts. For larger quantities of
coffee beans, please visit our
wholesale coffee website.
Gourmet Coffee Shops
- Starbucks
This coffee shop chain purchases and roasts quality whole
bean coffees and sells them along with fresh, rich-brewed, Italian style
espresso beverages, a variety of pastries and confections, and
coffee-related accessories and equipment. www.Starbucks.com
- Peet's Coffee & Tea
Supplier of deep-roasted gourmet coffee and rare teas,
delivered fresh, since 1966. www.Peets.com
- Gloria Jean's
This mall-based specialty coffee shop chain features
flavored coffees and good customer service. www.GloriaJeans.com
- Ancora Coffee
This Wisconsin-based coffee firm seeks out and roasts fine
coffees from around the world, and offers these coffees to coffeehouses,
fine restaurants, offices, and consumers. www.Ancora-Coffee.com
- Dunn Bros Coffee
Specialty coffee franchise company dedicated to serving
single-origin coffee which is roasted fresh daily and served in a
welcoming and community-oriented coffee shop atmosphere. www.DunnBros.com
- Dunkin' Donuts
This leading coffee and baked goods chain features high
quality coffee, bagels, donuts and other baked goods. www.DunkinDonuts.com
- Biggby Coffee
This Michigan-based gourmet coffee store chain features
several varieties of brewed coffee and specialty coffee drinks. www.Biggby.com
- Peaberry Coffee
This Colorado-based coffee roaster features a chain of
coffee shops located along Colorado's Rocky Mountain Front Range. www.PeaberryCoffee.com
Popular Coffee Brands
- Green Mountain Coffee
Founded in 1981, Vermont-based Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
has become one of the nation's leading specialty coffee companies. www.GreenMountainCoffee.com
- Chock full o' Nuts
The heavenly coffee - a New York City tradition for over 70 years. www.ChockFulloNuts.com
- Eight o' Clock
Features rich, smooth, satisfying coffee with a reputation
for great coffee taste and value. www.EightoClock.com
- Folgers
Leading coffee company offers a variety of coffees to
please many personalities. www.Folgers.com
- Lavazza
Spreading the aroma and quality of Italian espresso
around the world. www.Lavazza.com
- Maxwell House
Founded in 1892, this leading American coffee brand features
coffee with flavorful aroma and rich taste. www.MaxwellHouse.com
- Yuban - 100% Columbian Coffee
Features rich, aromatic coffee beans from coffee trees
that are carefully tended on small coffee farms. www.Yuban.com
Coffee Shop Resources
- Espresso 101
Bellissimo offers information and consulting services
coffee shop entrepreneurs, owners, and managers. www.Espresso101.com
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