Coffee & Italians: An Inseparable Tie
Italy has a rich tradition of coffee culture, how the Italians approach to coffee is characterized by the pursuit of quality and the enjoyment of simple pleasures. The dedication to high standard, tradition, and innovations in coffee preparation, has made coffee an art form and a way of life.
In the early 20th century, Luigi Bezzera, an Italian inventor, patented the first espresso coffee machine, introducing a new way of drinking coffee and which allowing for the rapid preparation of concentrated coffee. This innovation led to the creation of the classic Italian espresso and the art of coffee preparation that also involves precise measurements, the right grind, perfect brewing method and time. Meanwhile, the creation of bar/cafe establishments foster a strong connection to coffee. They serve as meeting points, social and cultural hubs where people gather to socialize, have business meeting, and enjoy each other’s company over a cup of coffee.
Ci prendiamo un caffè? This is a familiar invitation in Italy when Italians want to enjoy a cup of hot espresso, at a café or at home. The same invitation goes from morning for having a cup of warm cappucinno to the evening after the last meal of the day. Coffee consumption is steeped in tradition and a ritual where there are unwritten rules for ordering coffee, such as not ordering a cappuccino after a certain time of day as it’s considered a breakfast beverage. Coffee in Italy is also known for its variations of espresso-based drinks, such as caffè doppio, cappuccino, macchiato, macchiatone, caffè corretto, affogato, cafe al vetro, and other coffee preparations.
Having the “right” coffee is personal and the following is a reference to enjoy it: Caffè doppio is a double espresso, cappuccino: espresso with steamed milk. The difference between macchiato and macchiatone lies in the amout of milk used in the espresso. Macchiato means “stained”, so it’s a hot espresso with a shot of milk, while macchiatone has slightly more milk added to the espresso. Caffè corretto is a “corrected espresso” by adding in to a hot espresso, a shot of alcohol like sambuca, grappa, or other liqueur. The idea is to enhance the flavour and add an extra kick to it, it’s often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal. As for affogato, it means “drowned” and that’s exactly what happens to a scoop of vanilla ice cream when it’s drowned in a shot of hot espresso. Cafe al vetro is a way of enjoying an espresso not in a ceramic mug but in a transparant little glass, in order to be pleased by the look of the coffee intesity before sipping the delighful espresso.
Coffee brands like Lavazza, Illy, and Segafredo have achieved international recognition for their quality coffee beans and products. These brands have helped spread Italian coffee culture globally. Italians are known for their passion for food and beverages. This passion extends to coffee, and they view it as an integral part of their culinary heritage and culture.
International Coffee Day which occurs on October 1st every year was first launched in Milan, Italy as part of Expo in 2015. Organized by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), the day is celebrated by the member countries of the ICO and coffee associations from around the world. The theme of this year is : “Promoting the right to a safe and healthy working environment in the coffee supply chain.” More information about the event can be obtained at https://www.internationalcoffeeday.org/.