An Introduction to Ethiopian Coffee
Millions of people start their day by drinking a cup (or two) of coffee. This black drink is such an intricate part of our society that we can’t even imagine life without it. Whether we drink coffee ourselves or not, we are faced with it almost daily! A lot of different kinds of coffee are available today, and many people have developed a taste for particular kinds. Add to this the options with sugar, milk and chocolate, and the choice is almost endless!
Coffee is found in a variety of flavors and types, but basically there are two kinds of coffee in the market- Arabica and Robusta. They grow at different altitudes. Arabica, which grows on higher elevations, is considered the superior of the two kinds. To be classified as a gourmet coffee, the beans have to meet certain standards set out by the Speciality Association of America. These beans also contain less caffeine than the Robusta beans. Robusta, as the name indicates, is easier to grow and more resilient, as well as producing larger crops.
Ethiopia is known for its wonderful coffee, internationally known in different varieties. The climate of Ethiopia, due to its high elevation, makes it a perfect place for cultivating coffee. In fact, it grows wild in many parts! The kind produced in Ethiopia is the Arabica. A number of farmers often go together to form a coop, in this way making it easier to negotiate with potential buyers. Unfortunately, the money paid to the coffee farmers is often so small that they feel it’s better to grow other crops. This has sometimes led to a shortage of coffee.
To have a cup of coffee in Ethiopia is not a small thing. It is a whole ceremony! To start with the beans are washed thoroughly, then the roasting starts. This will be done on a small charcoal fire, in front of the guest. When the beans have reached the right color and aroma, the whole room will be filled with the aroma of coffee! Then, the beans are pounded and the actual boiling of the coffee can start. To boil coffee, a small clay-pot is used. The coffee really tastes different when prepared like this. It doesn’t matter that it takes quite a long time to prepare the coffee, it is a wonderful way to relax. And it is well worth the waiting when you get that steaming hot, fresh, coffee, in a cup filled to the brim!
Author: mujjen
There is a lot to discover in life, and I am happy to have my children with me during the journey. We love cooking, travelling and reading. Taking pictures of nature and other things that come in our way also keep us busy. With digital cameras it is so easy to fix pictures and use them for a lot of things, including Zazzle. Writing articles is also fun, especially when we can include some of our pictures!
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