Some like the smell, others crave the caffeine in the morning. Some prefer a short and strong espresso, others go for an iced Americano. Coffee beans have become an essential item to millions of people worldwide.
According to Statista, over one billion cups of coffee are consumed around the world every day, representing 166.63 million 60 kilogram bags of coffee. In the US alone, roughly 400 million servings are consumed on a single day. Coffee has become part of the culture in many countries, each one developing one of its own. Here are five unique ways to prepare and enjoy coffee.
1. Turkey
Turkish coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and the desired amount of sugar in a brass or copper coffee pot called a cezve.
When the mixture begins to froth, about one-third of the coffee is distributed to individual cups to warm them. The remaining amount is returned to the fire to froth a second time, then poured into the cups. It is advisable to wait a few moments before you drink to let the grounds sink to the bottom of your mug. It is an everyday drink, part of the traditional Turkish wedding customs.
2. Finland
Kaffeost, or “coffee cheese,” originated in Finland and can also be found in the north of Sweden near the Finnish border. It’s a relatively mild cheese that takes on a creamier consistency and sweeter flavor when topped with hot coffee made from finely ground beans. Leftovers are sometimes frozen or topped with fresh berries.
3. Mexico
For many, Cafe de Olla is synonym of Mexican culture. Cloves, anise, and cinnamon give Cafe de Olla its signature flavor.
Spices (cloves, cinnamon), coffee grounds, and processed sugar (called piloncillo) are brought to a boil in earthen clay pots called ollas, then strained through a mesh sieve. The tradition is to pour the coffee in a clay mug, often handmade. Cafe de Olla was popularized during the Mexican Revolution to energize soldiers.
4. Indonesia
Kopi Luwak is among the most expensive coffees on the market. The cost may reach hundreds of euros per pound. It’s made from coffee cherries that have been partially digested and then expelled by Asian palm civets, a mammal native to Indonesia. The seed is then processed using a French Press, a drip coffee maker, or even an espresso machine. Kopi Luwak is a traditional drink everywhere from Sumatra to Bali, and was initially coveted as a luxury item.
5. Vietnam
Introduced by the French in the 19th century, coffee became an important crop in Vietnam and the country is still one of the world leaders in coffee exports today. The Vietnamese didn’t have much access to fresh milk, so they began using sweetened condensed milk and pouring the drink over ice, called a Cà Phê Sữa Ðá.
