It's International Coffee Day!
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As one of the most popular beverages in the world, chances are that you consume it too. According to a study conducted by the National Coffee Association, 7 out of 10 Americans drink coffee every week. Coffee is fuel, it's comfort, and it's even a pretext for conversation or the perfect first date. So pour yourself a cup to sip as you read on about the significance of the celebration of International Coffee Day.
Although coffee has been celebrated nationally for decades in countries such as the United States, Nepal and Indonesia, the first official International Coffee Day date was instituted by the International Coffee Organization in 2015 in Milan, Italy. The idea is to pay tribute to this popular beverage, and also to promote fair trade coffee while raising awareness of the dire situation of coffee producers.
Most coffee travels a long way from small-scale farmers in the "Bean Belt" countries and through the hands of buyers, various middlemen, roasters and distributors, before reaching the shelves of your local store. From the cup of coffee you buy at your neighborhood coffee shop, the average farmer receives only 1% of the profits. With such minimal profits, there isn’t enough to reinvest in labor, land, or equipment, and parents often take their children out of school to work on the plantations in order to survive.
On the other hand, coffee production often brings with it environmental problems from deforestation to high use of water and energy resources and water pollution, all on a large scale. However, certified organic coffee is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. To support ethical standards of coffee production, opting for organic coffee that comes from a supply chain where everyone is paid fairly is an action you can take.
In the health field, there has been plenty of praise and criticism written about coffee, but every day scientists discover more and more benefits when consumed in moderation. Did you know that coffee contains more antioxidants than broccoli? The Harvard School of Public Health found that people who drink coffee are less likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease and even depression. Just remember to consume it in moderation, as the FDA recommends staying under 400 mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to about 4 cups of coffee.
So how can you celebrate International Coffee Day? Here are some ideas for you.
Get free or discounted coffee from one of the many cafés or shops that participate in International Coffee Day.
Gift yourself or a loved one a new coffee mug.
Look for Fair Trade and organic seals on the package before buying or ask the barista about the origin of the coffee.
Try a new brewing method.
Sign up for a coffee subscription to sample different varieties.
Learn how to order coffee in another language.
Try food or drink recipes that include coffee as an ingredient. My favorite is anything chocolate as coffee is known to enhance the flavor of chocolate.
Ask someone out to celebrate the day with you.
Drink up and enjoy this wonderful day!
xx, Danae