international-coffee-day

Coffee originated in Africa, in the region of present-day Ethiopia. Legend has it that a goat herder, noticing how his goats became more energetic after eating coffee berries, decided to try them himself. From there, the use of coffee spread first in the Arab world and then throughout the world.
Today, coffee is not just a beverage, but an integral part of many cultures around the world. Countries like Italy have developed unique traditions around coffee, with various preparation methods and social rituals linked to its consumption.

Many consider Italian coffee the best in the world, and this reputation is due to several factors that concern not only the quality of the beverage, but also the culture and tradition that surround it. Here are some reasons why Italian coffee is so appreciated:

1. Italy is the homeland of espresso, considered the purest and most authentic form of coffee. Italians have perfected the preparation of espresso, with great attention to the quality of the blend, the roasting, and the extraction process. Italian espresso is famous for its dense crema, rich and balanced flavor, and the aromatic intensity that characterizes it.

2. Coffee in Italy is much more than just a beverage; it is an integral part of daily life and culture. The ritual of having a coffee at the bar, often accompanied by a brief conversation, makes Italian coffee a unique social and cultural experience.

3. Italians have a great roasting tradition, with roastings that enhance the natural characteristics of the beans without overdoing it, thus achieving a harmonious taste.

4. Italian coffee is synonymous with precision. Whether prepared in a professional espresso machine at the bar or with a moka at home, the dedication and attention to detail ensure that Italian coffee is always of high quality.

5. Global impact. The influence of Italian coffee has spread all over the world. Terms like "espresso," "cappuccino," and "latte" have become universal, and many of the Italian coffee preparation techniques have been adopted everywhere.

6. The moka, an Italian icon. Besides bar coffee, the moka is an icon in Italian homes. This coffee maker, invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933, made it possible to prepare coffee similar to espresso at home.

Italian espresso coffee is one of the most distinctive symbols of Italian culture in the world. Espresso has a strong and bold flavor, with notes that can range from sweet and fruity to more intense and bitter, depending on the coffee blend used. It is served in a small cup and is more concentrated than other coffee preparation methods.
In Italy, there are several variants of traditional espresso, adapted to personal tastes:
Caffè macchiato: an espresso with the addition of a small amount of milk.
Caffè ristretto: an even more concentrated version of espresso, with a stronger taste.
Caffè corretto: an espresso with the addition of a small amount of liquor, usually grappa or sambuca.

Among the best-known Italian coffee producers are: Caffè Illy, Caffè Lavazza, Caffè Borbone, Caffè Vergnano, and Caffè Toraldo.

To say that Italian coffee is the best in the world is certainly justified when considering the tradition, quality, and ritual that characterize it.