International Day of Coffee
October 1
"Coffee is a language in itself."
Jackie Chan
The History of the International Day of Coffee
The International Day of Coffee, celebrated annually on October 1st, is a global observance that honors one of the world's most beloved beverages: coffee. This day is more than just a nod to the drink that fuels millions of morning routines; it’s a celebration of the entire coffee value chain, from the farmers who cultivate the beans to the baristas who craft the perfect cup.
The International Coffee Organization (ICO) officially launched the first International Day of Coffee in 2015 in Milan, Italy, during Expo 2015. The ICO is an intergovernmental organization that represents both coffee-exporting and coffee-importing countries. The goal of the observance is to promote fair trade coffee and raise awareness about the challenges faced by coffee growers worldwide.
The day is observed in various countries, each adding its unique flavor to the celebration. While in Italy, the day might be marked with a focus on espresso and traditional coffee culture, in Ethiopia—the birthplace of coffee—the day is intertwined with cultural rituals that have been practiced for centuries. The observance is also recognized under different names in some regions, such as National Coffee Day in the United States, Canada, and several other countries. Each of these observances shares the common theme of celebrating coffee but may differ in how they are observed and the specific focus they bring to the table.
In addition to the International Day of Coffee, related observances exist, such as National Espresso Day and National Coffee Break Day, both of which highlight specific aspects of coffee culture and consumption.
Fun and Lesser-Known Facts About International Day of Coffee
While many enjoy coffee daily, the International Day of Coffee offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the fun, lesser-known facts and even controversies surrounding this globally cherished drink:
Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world: After oil, coffee ranks as the second most traded commodity globally, underscoring its immense economic importance. The coffee industry supports the livelihoods of millions, particularly in developing countries.
The origin of the term “coffee”: The word "coffee" is believed to have originated from the Arabic word "qahwa," which was later translated into Turkish as "kahve" and eventually into English as "coffee."
Coffee and the Ottoman Empire: Coffee houses, known as "qahveh khaneh," first appeared in the Ottoman Empire, where they became popular venues for socializing and discussing politics, literature, and the arts. These establishments were so influential that they were sometimes referred to as "schools of the wise."
The controversy of Kopi Luwak: Known as the most expensive coffee in the world, Kopi Luwak is made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by civet cats. While some tout it as a delicacy, there is significant controversy over the ethical treatment of civets in its production, leading to debates over its sustainability and animal welfare.
Decaf coffee is not caffeine-free: Contrary to popular belief, decaffeinated coffee is not entirely free of caffeine. It contains a small amount, usually about 2-5% of the original caffeine content, which can still affect sensitive individuals.
The Coffee Belt: The "Coffee Belt" is a region around the equator where coffee is grown. It includes parts of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. The conditions in these regions—such as climate, altitude, and soil quality—are ideal for cultivating coffee plants.
The Boston Coffee Party: While the Boston Tea Party is famous, few know about the Boston Coffee Party, a protest that took place in 1777. Angry with a merchant who hoarded coffee and refused to sell it, a group of women raided his warehouse, marking a unique event in coffee history.
Sustainable Coffee: The push for sustainable coffee production has grown significantly. Certification programs like Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic have become essential in ensuring that coffee is produced in ways that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Coffee and the Church: Coffee was once banned in several countries due to its stimulating effects. In the 16th century, some Muslim rulers and Christian clerics considered coffee a "sinful" drink. However, it was later embraced, and Pope Clement VIII is even said to have given it his blessing.
Instant coffee was invented in 1901: While instant coffee might not be everyone’s favorite, it has a long history. The first instant coffee was invented by Japanese-American chemist Satori Kato in Chicago in 1901.
Language Expressions Related to the International Day of Coffee
Coffee has inspired a rich vocabulary and numerous expressions across different languages, reflecting its deep cultural significance. Here are a few examples:
“Spill the beans”: Originally related to voting practices in ancient Greece, this phrase has evolved to mean revealing a secret. However, it also echoes the literal act of spilling coffee beans.
“A cup of joe”: In American slang, "a cup of joe" simply means a cup of coffee. There are various theories about the origin of this phrase, with some attributing it to the average "Joe" who drinks coffee, while others suggest it was named after Josephus Daniels, who banned alcohol on Navy ships, leading sailors to drink coffee instead.
“Coffee break”: This term became popular in the 20th century and refers to a short rest from work during which coffee is usually consumed. It’s so ingrained in work culture that some companies even institutionalize coffee breaks to boost productivity.
“Java”: Another word for coffee, "Java" comes from the Indonesian island of Java, a major coffee-producing region. The term is widely used in the United States as a synonym for coffee.
“Espresso yourself”: A playful expression often seen on coffee shop signs, it’s a pun on "express yourself," urging people to enjoy a shot of espresso.
References
www.internationalcoffeeday.org/about
www.history.com/topics/coffee/international-coffee-day
www.fairtrade.org.uk/what-is-fairtrade/the-impact-of-fairtrade/coffee
www.coffeehunter.com/news/international-coffee-day