THE CONNECTION BETWEEN COFFEE & MIND

The World of Coffee

In the quiet corners of quaint cafes and bustling city streets, a beloved elixir interlinks within the rhythms of our lives. Coffee. A captivating beverage steeped in history, culture, and sensory delight, invites us on a global expedition like no other. Coffee has become more than just a simple beverage but a cultural phenomenon that has weaved its way into the societies we know and align with today. Many cultures carry a tradition or ritual surrounding the consumption and preparation of coffee. A subculture of coffee enthusiasts is already on the rise, with more and more people developing tastes and preferences that run parallel to their personalities.

ETHIOPIA: ORIGINS OF COFFEE

Ethiopia holds a significant place in coffee’s history as its birthplace. The coffee ceremony in Ethiopia serves as the primary means of welcoming guests and visitors. Additionally, it is a daily tradition among friends, neighbours, and family, celebrating their relationships and extending hospitality. The coffee ceremony truly embodies the cultural and social fabric of the people. Even in modern times, Ethiopia’s coffee production continues to rely on traditional methods, such as hand-roasting over an open flame, setting it apart from production methods in other countries.

The bars in which they’re served are all part of the experience too. Every neighbourhood has several bars and locals are fiercely loyal to theirs. If you’re staying in the Italian capital, it’s possible to join in with the local rhythm yourself.

ITALY: BIRTH OF ESPRESSO

While they might opt-in for a cappuccino with their breakfast pastry, Italians swear by espresso. This bold, bitter little elixir is what fuels the nation, from the run in the morning right through to the evenings, when it’s sipped slowly after dinner. Most Italians order and drink theirs standing at the bar, it’s often a quick affair on the way to work in the morning but it’s far from a speedy necessity and is instead a muchcherished daily ritual. Whatever you do, don’t call the drink an ‘expresso’ — it’s espresso... with an ‘s’.

ITALY: CULTURAL NORMS

Espresso is a setting on a coffee machine, not a style of coffee in Italy. That is how coffee is served as a default. When ordering coffee in Italy say un caffè and the Barista will know what you want. The Italian taboo of not drinking milk-based coffee drinks in the afternoon comes from their obsession with digestion. In Italy the when is as important as the wear and Italians believe that milk consumed in the afternoon is heavy. If you order cappuccino after 11.00am you risk being instantly branded a tourist.

Italy ranks 18th in the world with per-capita coffee consumption of 3.4 kg. For one of the originators of the world’s Café culture you would think Italy would consume more coffee. But in Italy it’s about how you do it, not about how much.

JAPAN: ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Japan’s coffee culture emphasize attention to detail, where precision and creativity blend seamlessly to create an extraordinary experience. Japanese coffee brewing is an art form that celebrates meticulousness and passion, known best for their specialty coffee shops that focus on showcasing authentic single-origin coffees and latte art. Unlike other societies where coffee serves as a caffeine fix, Japanese people appreciate the beauty and joy that comes from enjoying a perfectly crafted cup of coffee.

SWEDEN: WAY OF LIFE

In Sweden, coffee drinking is considered a way of life with the country ranking as the world’s third-largest consumer of coffee per capita. The term “fika,” derived from the Swedish word for coffee, kaffi, has shaped the tradition of incorporating coffee into everyday culture. Fika goes beyond a simple coffee break; it is a deliberate pause from work and the common daily stresses of life. Participants typically enjoy a cup of coffee accompanied by a traditional sweet treat called fikabröd, or fika bread. The essence of fika lies in slowing down, refreshing the mind, and encouraging social connections. Unlike other European countries, fika extends beyond homes and cafes and is commonly practiced in the workplace, greatly contrasting to the busy routines of countries like the UK, where 82% of employees do not even take a full hour for lunch.

What sets fika apart from a regular coffee break is its ability to unite coffees with a state of mind. It has become a daily ritual that encourages relaxation, mindfulness, and meaningful human interaction. Above all, fika is centred around savouring the coffee and embracing the present moment, serving as a reminder to pause and appreciate the simple pleasures in life.

A Bean with Many Faces

We love our cafés, we love our cultures, and we love our coffee, but have you ever stopped to think about where it all comes from? What are the many types of beans that extract the delicious elixir we all enjoy today? If you are a self-confessed coffee lover, to truly appreciate your coffee, unravel the rich tapestry of flavours that these beans lovingly offer.

ARABICA BEANS: A TASTE OF ELEGANCE

The captivating world of Arabica beans, where quality meets popularity. Known as the crème de la crème of coffee beans, Arabica is the most cherished and widely recognized variety believed to be one of the first coffee species ever grown with roots dating back to 1,000BC.

What sets Arabica apart from its counterparts is its easy maintenance and convenience to take care of. With their modest size and graceful structure, pruning becomes a simple act of nurturing these botanical companions. The beans are generally oval in shape being larger than Robusta beans and have a pronounced centre crease. Known for their vibrant and complex flavours, these beans are loved by coffee connoisseurs because they tend to have a sweeter, softer taste, with tones of fruits, florals, chocolate, and nuts.

Over 60% of the world’s coffee production is dedicated to cultivating these exquisite beans thriving in lofty altitudes. Arabica beans demand the embrace of lush landscapes blessed with gentle rainfall and abundant shade. Generally, it is more expensive than Robusta due to their delicate nature and specific cultivating requirements such as weather and altitude. Latin America, specifically Brazil, is currently the largest producer of Arabica coffee.

ROBUSTA BEANS: A BOLD DELIGHT

Prepare to meet the esteemed Robusta beans, the second most widely cultivated variety in the realm of coffee. Embodying strength and resilience, these beans have earned their name by conquering adversity and displaying an impressive immunity to a plethora of diseases.

One other aspect to bear in mind is that compared to their Arabica counterparts, these beans pack a powerful punch, boasting twice the amount of caffeine. Coffee beans from the Robusta species are generally smaller and more circular than Arabica beans, they are also usually paler, and the centre crease is less pronounced. The robust nature of Robusta beans harmonizes flawlessly with milk and sugar, making them an irresistible choice, especially for the lovers of iced coffee.

Commonly grown in Africa, Vietnam and Indonesia, Robusta has lower acidity levels. Thriving under the scorching climate of a warm embrace kill me. Robusta’s produce fruit much more quickly than the Arabicas, which need several years to come to maturity, and they yield more crop per tree. Their adaptability flourishes in regions with irregular rainfall and diverse altitudes.

EXCELSA BEANS: A UNIQUE VARIANT

If you really want to expand your horizons beyond the regular Arabica and Robusta beans, consider seeking out Excelsa coffee. It’s a scarce crop people often misunderstand, but it offers a complex and fruity cup when done right.

Both grow on tall trees, but the Excelsa beans are generally smaller and rounder. Occasionally the beans will feature the teardrop shape found on Liberica beans. It has a sweet, fruity, tart quality but is strong and dark. The aroma, however, can be very strong and different from the pleasant fruity tastes. The smell has been described as being anything from “jackfruit” to “unpleasant”.

Although it’s a unique variety of Liberica, it is often listed separately. The labour taken to cultivate these as well as the lack of market value limits the production of them greatly. You will however often find that Excelsa is often added to Arabica blends to add depth of flavour and a fuller body to coffee blends. Like Liberica coffee, Excelsa originated in Africa but is now found almost exclusively in South-east Asia. The key producing countries of Excelsa are Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Excelsa trees are resistant to several diseases that affect other coffee species, including coffee leaf rust or nematodes. This might make it seem like an attractive crop for farmers, but the trees are tall and bushy, requiring regular pruning that can be very labour-intensive.

LIBERICA BEANS: EXOTIC

Liberica coffee is the main species that Excelsa beans belongs to. Unlike its more common cousins, Arabica and Robusta, Liberica is an enigma cherished by coffee connoisseurs seeking new sensory experiences.

Liberica’s beans grow on taller trees and they have a distinctive long oval shape being larger than other varieties. In the Philippines, Liberica coffee is known as Barako coffee and is one of the largest consumers of this type. It’s a very sturdy coffee plant. In the conditions of Coffea Diversa in southern Costa Rica, it grows well. Its flavour profile is a delightful dance between the familiar and the exotic. Imagine sipping from your cup of freshly brewed Liberica coffee, as captivating aromas of floral fragrances, fruity nuances, and hints of enchanting spices embrace your senses.

Whilst Liberica originated from West Africa in Liberia, in todays world it is mostly grown and consumed in Southeast Asia It’s mainly grown in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia and makes up most of Malaysia’s coffee production. In the Philippines alone, liberica accounts for more than 70% of all grown coffee. Though that seems quite high, the variant of coffee is limited, accounting for less than 2% of coffee crops worldwide.

Amidst the alluring aroma and the delightful dance of flavours, coffee holds its secrets close. Though, those who seek are most likely going to find. Here are some interesting facts about coffee from across the world.

EUROPE LOVES COFFEE

According to International Coffee Association, Europe, surprisingly, imports more coffee than the USA considering the states are larger. Also, Brazil is the lead exporting country in coffee. Though, Finland consumes the most coffee in the world.

HAWAII IS THE ONLY AMERICAN STATE THAT GROWS COFFEE

Good coffee growing conditions require high altitudes, tropical climates, and rich soil. There is only one state, Hawaii, which is able to grow coffee. It has been producing coffee even before it was a state. (Only recently, though, farms in California started growing coffee bushes!)

DRINKING COFFEE WAS ONCE PUNISHABLE BY DEATH!

During the 17th century Ottoman Empire, it was believed that coffee contained mind-altering effects. The ruler of this period believed it to be a type of narcotic and banned it from public consumption.

COFFEE, GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE?

In the 16th century Constantinople, potential wives were chosen or rejected based on their ability to make coffee. However, the women had the upper hand once married. If a man didn’t provide enough coffee for his wife, she could use this as grounds for divorce (pun intended).

THE MOST EXPENSIVE COFFEES ARE MADE FROM CAT POOP AND ELEPHANT DUNG

In the West, kopi luwak has become known as “cat poop coffee.” With prices ranging between $35 and $100 a cup or about $100 to $600 a pound, kopi luwak is widely considered to be the most expensive coffee in the world. (I personally wouldn’t try this!)

The most expensive coffee in world, however, is Black Ivory Coffee. It can cost up to $1,100 per kilogram. This coffee is produced from part-digested coffee cherries eaten and defecated by Thai elephants.

WHERE DID THE WORD CAPPUCCINO COME FROM?

The cappuccino was named after Capuchin friars because its colour resembles the Capuchin robe. The Italian word for this distinctive hood, Cappuccio, gave rise to the Italian name for the order. Although, the word ‘coffee’ comes from the Arabic word ‘qahwah’ which refers to a type of tea.

COFFEE IS A FRUIT

Coffee beans grow on a bush. They are actually the pit of a berry, which makes them a fruit. There are two main varieties of beans, green and red.

WHO DISCOVERED COFFEE?

It was said that coffee was discovered by a goat herder in Ethiopia in the 1500s. He saw his goats eating coffee cherries. Afterwards, he observed a change in their behaviour. They gained a high amount of energy, and they didn’t sleep at night. The herder shared his findings with local monks and then after they made a drink with coffee beans, they realized they could stay up all night and pray. Then, they spread the word to other Ethiopian monks, and it reached across the civilized world.

INTERVIEW WITH ANJALI

SOME EXPERIENCES WITH RESEARCHING COFFEE AND HOW IT EFFECTS

THE MIND AND BODY.

PHD in Cognitive Psychology, focusing on how human senses affect our experiences.

Any advice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy coffee on a deeper level?

unique takes on coffee?

Anjali: I see coffee as more than just a drink. It’s an experience that involves not only taste and smell but also other senses like touch and sight. All these things together make coffee special and affect how we perceive it.

How do our senses influence our coffee experience?

Anjali: Besides the taste and smell, the sounds of coffee brewing and the warmth of the cup can make us feel a certain way about the coffee. Even the way it looks, like the latte art, can make us feel happy or impressed. All these sensations combine to create a unique and personal coffee experience.

How do the experiences impact our emotions?

Anjali: Emotions play a big role. Like, the smell of coffee can make you feel cozy, reminding us of a good time. Holding a warm cup can be comforting. And seeing beautiful latte art can make us feel joyful or appreciative. Coffee isn’t just a drink anymore, it’s more of an experience.

How can this knowledge help the coffee industry?

Anjali: By understanding how all our senses affect our coffee experience. Coffee shops could create a special atmosphere. They can choose sounds that match the coffee brewing, use nice cups that feel good to hold, and make the coffee look beautiful.

Anjali: Absolutely! Try to pay attention to all your senses when you have coffee. Smell the aroma, feel the warmth, and enjoy the taste. Be present and enjoy every moment. Also, try different coffee types and origins to explore new flavours, a change might be just what you need.