National Coffee Day
National Coffee Day is a holiday in the United States that falls on September 29. It is one of the country’s favorite drinks, and many people can’t start their day without drinking a cup of joe. Even non-coffee drinkers can’t resist the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. So whether you love the classic Americano or prefer the trendy Flat White, make sure to have the perfect cup (or cups) of coffee today!
Coffee lovers are in luck because just two days after National Coffee Day, they can celebrate International Coffee Day on October 1st.
Background
National Coffee Day was created by the National Coffee Association, who are responsible for promoting the holiday every year. Some people state that this day was first observed in 2005, however, the earliest record that can be found of the celebration on the National Coffee Association’s social media dates to September of 2013.
This holiday was not created just so coffee lovers can enjoy their favorite drink, it also aims to help independent coffee shops around the country, as well as promoting specialty coffee from struggling coffee farmers around the world, in order to help them make a living wage.
History of Coffee
Evidence shows that the first coffee was enjoyed in 15th century Yemen, where monks from the Sufi monasteries in Mokha first roasted beans and brewed coffee. Traders then brought the seed to Ethiopia, so that they could cultivate and farm coffee beans.
Coffee made its way to Europe by way of Venice in 1615, where it was deemed to be ‘Satan’ drink’ due to its bitter taste, but eventually, the drink got the approval of the Pope himself, and the first coffee house opened in Venice in 1645.
The drink became popular in America in 1773 when Americans revolted against the British tea tax and replaced tea with coffee as their preferred drink. James Folger was one of the first people to successfully sell coffee in the 19th century. In the 1960s people became interested in the concept of specialty coffee and Starbucks was founded in 1971. Today, the coffee industry in the United States is worth around $45 billion!
As the interest in good coffee grows, so do different ways of brewing it and the appearance of independent coffee shops, where coffee connoisseurs can try the latest flavors and roasts from around the world.
Professional coffee tasters are called cuppers, and according to them the perfect cup of coffee depends on its body, acidity, aroma, and flavor. This is all determined by the bean, the roast, and the brew of the coffee.
What to do on National Coffee Day
The good news for coffee drinkers is that many coffee shops and restaurants have offers for free coffees or discounted coffees on National Coffee Day, so whether you prefer to get yours to-go or you like to sit down and calmly enjoy your coffee, make sure to visit your favorite place to take advantage of the offers.
If you are trying to get more into coffee and try different roasts and brews, see if there are any coffee tasting or cupping events in coffee shops near you and attend them. This would also be a great way to know people that are also interested in coffee.
