In a world where flat whites are trendy, espressos are sophisticated, and a fine drip cup is educated, the good 'ol cup of joe is the steady, understated everyman's drink. It's a friend and the fun kind at that -- the one with dubious origins and a touch of scandal. From outright insult to an interesting amalgamation, here are the potential origins of the phrase cup of joe.
Devil’s spawn or elixir of the gods? The brief, troubled, seditious history of coffee
"...Black as hell, Strong as Death, Sweet as Love" ...There is truth in this Turkish proverb. Since coffee's discovery in the 11th century, this beloved elixir of the gods has been banned, demonized, lauded, spiritualized, feared, and even used as a weapon of death. The story starts with a Shepherd, dancing goats, and Sufis. Blessed... Continue Reading →
Beans, beans, beans! Arabica coffee varietals and cultivars
Flavor, texture, clarity, crispness -- it all starts with the bean! Coffee is often described using common classifications such as roast, growing conditions, and processing. These descriptives are wonderful at relating the coffee's highest level information but fail to represent the bean's intrinsic qualities, which are defined by its variety or cultivar. Like wine, a... Continue Reading →
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