Cafe

Coffee is the drink that is obtained after roasting and grinding the seeds of the fruit of the coffee plant (Coffea). The cultivation of this plant is especially widespread in tropical and subtropical countries, the main producers of coffee are in South America (Brazil, Colombia), Kenya, Vietnam and Ivory Coast.

Although ancient legends about coffee growing talk as coming from Arabia, actually coffee is from Ethiopia (yes, the Arabs were the first to discover the benefits of coffee).

The coffee industry moves figures soaring billion a year and employs thousands of people, for collection and subsequent manual handling (drying, sorting beans, roasting, grinding, storage, etc.).

Coffee Varieties

From Coffea bushes are two varieties that are used to prepare the famous drink:

Arabica coffee. It is the oldest continuously cultivated (is the original species) and coming from almost all coffee production today. It is thin and aromatic.

Robusta coffee. It is tougher than the last, and richer in caffeine, stronger and acid. It is the variety that is often used to make the mixtures (cheaper ground coffee) and soluble or instant coffee.

Although you can also sort the coffee by its grain size and provenance.

Coffee varieties known and most popular are:

Exalted Medellin, Colombian coffee and soft bodied, slightly nutty flavor

Blue Mountain (Jamaica), delicious, is one of the most expensive coffees in the world

Kenya, with a strong flavor

Java, with smoked, pretty hard to get

Guatemala

Moka Ethiopia (the birthplace of coffee), high quality

Nicaragua, known for its low acidity, widely used in coffee blends

Santos of Brazil, Sao Paulo

Sumatra, Java-like, with a strong flavor

Kilimanjaro Tanzania, less acidic than that of Kenya

Coffee Properties

Coffee, contrary to the legends that have become a substance harmful to health, is highly beneficial to the body, yes, taken in moderation (not to exceed four cups a day, at most). The benefits of the coffee due to its caffeine content, polyphenols, vitamin B3 (niacia) and trace elements (sodium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and especially potassium).

So, grab a cup of coffee can be just as healthy as that glass of wine daily, for its antioxidant properties, it is so recommended. Indeed, because it contains caffeine (helps maintain high physical and mental performance) is best avoided for about four hours before bedtime.

Of course, what about all the social involvement having coffee. Means for most of us a rite in the morning, a "push" to raise the level of energy, a "coffee" to meet someone.

A point to consider, we tend to believe that the flavor and aroma are caffeine, but this is not true, actually coffee has only 12% of caffeine (less than tea), the flavor comes from natural oils and sugars of each grain. And a word to clarify, when we say "roasted" means that during the roasting beans sugar has been added.

There are many forms and preparations to taste the coffee: espresso, drip coffee, Turkish coffee, ristretto, decaffeinated, carajillo, American coffee, mocha coffee, Irish coffee, and so on. Including here liqueurs and coffee creamers.

And as for how to consume are also many possibilities and varieties. Almost always added sugar, but chocolate turns out to be a perfect companion. Also very popular is also adding to coffee, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, ice or a lemon twist.