Coffee Legends ...

Coffee Legends and The Realities Of Coffee Production ...

That a mere beverage could generate so many romantic myths and coffeee legends, so many tales and so much hard-headed business is a wonder. Yet from its early beginnings to the present day, coffee, that dark and pungent brew has fascinated, cured and enriched billions of people the world over.

Coffee Legends abound concerning the origins of the coffee plant, but the most reliable histories put its discovery in Ethiopia somewhere around 500 BC. From there, after observing the stimulating effects of its berries, travelers brought it to Arabia, where it acquired its name.

The Renaissance gave birth not only to science and art, but the commercial production and known-world distribution of Coffee and what would later come to be called 'that heathenish liquid'.

By the late 18th century both coffee plantations and coffee drinking popularity had spread to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South and North America and to every social class.

Throughout those long centuries the health effects ascribed to coffee border on the miraculous. But, as with most miracle brews, there are a few facts that give rise to the Coffee Legends.

Fact or Fiction The Legends Associated with Coffee

Coffee Legend or coffee fact, for good or ill, coffee is here to stay.

The economics alone virtually guarantee it. As a traded commodity coffee is second only in dollar volume to oil.

Whether traded on exchanges in London, New York, Hong Kong or Lima with over 400 billion cups consumed annually, the coffee legends and this alternative black gold only grow in popularity. Though only 10-20% (depending on country) of adults drink one or more cups daily, the total retail sales hover near $9 billion dollars annually.

Add to those sales figures the quantity of raw coffee beans, the number of coffee grinders, roasters, brewers and cups bought for the home and the figures become astounding.

With the rise in both the basic commodity and specialty retail prices, the future for coffee businesses continues to look bright. Starbucks alone has over 10,000 outlets around the world.

And specialty coffee shops are not the only outlet for a wide choice of blends and styles.

Home roasters and brewers can also enjoy espresso, invented in 1901 and growing ever since. Straight shots, long shots or double shots are a snap now with home coffee making machines.

Mocha, Latte and Cappuccino Coffees are all available by the simple addition of a few ingredients aand the touch of a few buttons. Flavored coffees come in as great a number of varieties as wine and are easy to make, with just a dash of vanilla, caramel or fruit flavorings.

With all that history, all that money and the popular and delicious varieties available, maybe the old Coffee Legends aren't so far off after all.