Coffee around the world: culture through the cup

Have you ever wondered about the diversity of coffee culture around the world? This hot and aromatic drink conquers hearts and palates around the world. It is in the culture of different peoples, creating customs, traditions and moments of connection. Embark with us on a sensorial and cultural journey, exploring the different ways in which this special drink is enjoyed in different corners of the planet. Here in Brazil, it is undeniable that it is one of the most beloved drinks. As for other countries, we'll find out.

Italy

Italy is the birthplace of many innovations in the world of coffee, including the espresso, macchiato and cappuccino. Italians have a preference for coffee: they like it short and strong. It is generally served in small ceramic cups, which enhance the flavor and keep the drink hot for longer. And when it comes to how to prepare it, Italians turn to a very well-known piece of equipment: the moka coffee maker, also called the Italian coffee maker.

France

Café au lait, or with milk, is the French's favorite way to enjoy the drink. Unlike the Brazilian version, the French adopt a slightly different approach. They add milk foam to black coffee. This foam is made by steaming milk, which results in a creamy texture with a layer of foam on top of the drink. This technique not only provides a smoother flavor and richer texture, but also creates a unique, characteristically French coffee experience.

Turkey

In Turkey, Turkish coffee is a historical tradition. Preparation involves extra-fine grinding of the grains, which are mixed with cold water and sugar in a cezve, a small copper pot. The cezve is then partially immersed in a pan of heated sand, where the coffee is slowly cooked. It is served in small cups, accompanied by lokum, a soft and tasty Turkish sweet. It is one of the strongest and thickest, mainly because the coffee is not filtered. In Turkey there is also the traditional reading of coffee grounds, where the future and fortune are read in the grounds that remain at the bottom of the cup, after the person drinks the drink.

Greece

In Greece, summer calls for a refreshing coffee. The frappe, made with instant coffee, milk, ice and foam, is perfect for cooling off on hot days. Sweetened with sugar or honey and flavored with lemon or orange zest, the frappe conquers with its creaminess. Enjoyed in cafes or beaches, frappe has become a symbol of modern Greek culture.

Australia

In Australia, coffee is a national passion. Australians consume one of the highest volumes of coffee per capita in the world, and café culture has established itself as an essential part of social life. The flat white, an espresso with microfoamed milk, is Australians' favorite drink, appreciated for its smooth flavor and velvety texture. The art of latte art, with its elaborate drawings on milk foam, is also very popular in Australian cafes, elevating the experience to an artistic level.

United States

Americans have a preference for more diluted coffee, which is typically served in large cups. This allows them to enjoy the drink for a longer period of time and at a lower temperature, which is ideal for the busy, always-on-the-go lifestyle many Americans lead. As for preparation, Americans generally use a proportion of 50 grams of coffee powder for every liter of water. This ratio allows it to be strong enough to be flavorful, but not so strong that it is overpowering. The result is a smooth and balanced drink that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

Japan

In Japan, cold coffee is the predominant form of consumption. The drink is sold in cans and bottles, easily found in convenience stores, supermarkets and vending machines throughout the country. These machines offer multiple options at the touch of a button. This preference for cold drinks reflects the Japanese appreciation for convenience and quality.

Conclusion

Each culture embraces coffee in a way that mirrors its own values, customs and even the climate, transforming this simple drink into a bridge that unites different people and traditions. Regardless of the style or method of preparation, coffee remains a strong bond that unites people around the world, celebrating our similarities and, at the same time, our rich cultural diversities. References: https://www.eraofwe.com/coffee-lab/pt-br/articles/frappe-grego https://coisasdojapao.com/2020/09/o-surpreendente-cafe-do-japao-e-suas-variacoes/ https://www.brasileiraspelomundo.com/a-cultura-do-cafe-na-australia-2702127545 https://www.gastronomia.com.br/cafe-turco-uma-jornada-pela-tradicao-na-turquia/ https://www.vlibras.com.br/cultura-do-cafe-historia-e-tradicoes-globais/