The Amazing Gaggia Platinum Vision Espresso Machine

If you want an authentic Italian espresso or cappuccino, then you must start with an authentic Italian espresso machine. Gaggia S.p.A. is the Italian manufacturer whose brand is associated with fabulous espresso machines. It began in 1948, when Achille Gaggia, the man that is credited with the world-wide appreciation of espresso coffee, filed patent number 365726, which in due course evolved into the modern day espresso machines that we know today. Gaggia's earliest foray into producing espresso coffee machines for the home was a brewing system he called Baby Gaggia, which is even today widely used throughout Italy. All machines are to the present day manufactured in the Robecco sul Naviglio manufacturing facility (Milan), the place where tradition and care for details blend with state-of-the-art technologies.

Great Espresso Every Time

It's never ever been easier to produce the perfect shot of espresso. The Gaggia Platinum Vision Espresso Machine is perfectly calibrated to deliver the perfect amount of power behind every shot of espresso. Though you almost certainly would not need it, the Gaggia system delivers up to 15 bars of pressure.

An additional brilliant design element that you will appreciate is the rapid steam boiler system. This feature allows you to switch immediately between brewing and steaming without waiting for lengthy re-heating times. What this means is less waiting around, and a superior espresso, cappuccino, or latte, at the optimal temperature.

Any time you brew, the Gaggia Platinum Vision grinds beans for just that shot, guaranteeing the very freshest taste. Brewing a fresh cup of coffee is as simple as pressing an icon on the machines touchscreen display. You may choose between three icons, appearing as cups, which when pressed will brew either a small espresso, a medium, or a large coffee. If you are brewing two cups then all you need to do is press the button two times and the machine will calculate and grind the precise amount of beans, and brew two perfect cups of your chosen coffee drink.

Ground Beans Just the Way You Like Them

The ceramic burr grinder quietly produces a consistent, no-static grind. And you may even adjust the grind setting between coarse, medium, and fine using the included grinder adjustment tool. The sealable bean hopper will allow for up to 8.8 oz. of your preferred roasted whole beans. Its easy to monitor the level of beans remaining because the bean hopper is clear, plus the machine will warn you using a "add coffee beans" message when the hopper runs low. It can't get much easier!

The Espresso Plus System

Does your significant other like their espresso a little bit stronger than you do? It's no problem using the Platinum Vision Machine because all you need to do is turn a dial to adjust the intensity and body of each coffee drink. Leave the dial directed to the center for a ordinary strength drink, but turn it to the left to get a more mild brew or to the right to get a stronger one.

Opti-Dose System

Another way to enjoy your coffee all the more is to tweak your brew. With the push of another button it is possible to choose the quantity of ground coffee used to brew your ideal cup. You can actually adjust the amount of espresso beans to be ground from 7.5 to 10 grams.

You Can't Not Have This-- A Cup Lift!

Your cups rest on a height-adjustable drip tray, that may be raised or lowered according to the size of your coffee cup. A push of a button will electronically adjust the height of the drip tray for you. Always empty and thoroughly clean the cup tray every day with warm water.

You Need a Cup Warmer Too

If you want a great cup of coffee you must brew right into a warm cup. Why? Because brewing into a cold cup will quickly lower the temperature of your brew and you won't get the optimal crema. Not good.

The Frothing Wand

The Gaggia Platinum Vision's frothing wand swivels outwards, so you can froth milk like a pro. If you're a novice espresso maker the Pannarello attachment makes frothing and steaming easy. To steam, press the steam icon on the touchscreen. This takes you to the steam/hot water sub-menu. Look for the word "steam" on the touch screen and press it, then turn the steam knob on the left side of the machine. Get Ready! Froth and steam away!

The Gaggia Milk Island (Included if you Know Where to Buy this Machine)

The Gaggia Milk Island was created to easily connect to the Gaggia Platinum Vision machine to make it a whole lot easier to froth and steam milk for a perfect latte or cappuccino. Turn the steam knob that you will find on the side of your machine to the "milk island" setting and the machine automatically foams and steams your milk.

It's Like Having Your Own Barista in Your Kitchen

It would be great to just wake up, head into your kitchen, press a couple of buttons, and in mere minutes be taking pleasure in a fresh, steaming hot latte, that cost you mere pennies? Imagine, no pushing, shoving, and hanging around in line at your neighborhhood coffee shop. No more tips! Just a mug of coffee made just how you like it best. And if you actually think you'll miss Starbucks you can use Starbucks coffee beans - I do.

In my experience a good quality cup of coffee, regardless of how you take it, is best enjoyed while still wearing a bathrobe, instead of while traveling to work.

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About the Author:
You may fall in love with the Gaggia Platinum Vision espresso machine. If you are a nut about a good quality cup of coffee then you deserve to splurge on yourself. A good espresso is one of life's simple pleasures. I've shopped all over the net and the best selling price I have found on this excellent coffee machine is at EveryEspressoMachine.com.
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Other Hot Drinks in Turkey

Other Hot Drinks in Turkey

Other Hot Drinks in Turkey market report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data, allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they new product developments, packaging innovations, economic/lifestyle influences, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts illustrate how the market is set to change.

Why buy this report
Get insight into trends in market performance
Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change
Identify market and brand leaders and understand the competitive environment

Product coverage
Flavoured powder drinks; Other plant-based hot drinks

Key Chapters :

HOT DRINKS IN TURKEY : MARKET INSIGHT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Hot Drinks Registers Good Growth in 2008

Significant Acquisition Activity

Domestic Companies Lead Sales

Supermarkets/hypermarkets Increase Sales at Expense of Bakkals

Good Growth Prospects

KEY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS

Improved Economy and Falling Rate of Inflation Positively Affected the Market

Increasing Demand for Health and Wellness Products

Increasing Advertising Expenditure

Table 1 Duration and number of Television Advertisements Spots – January-March 2008

Developing Retail Segment Boosts Sales for Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Increasing Number of Foodservice Outlets Stimulates On-trade Sales

MARKET DATA

To know more and to buy a copy of your report feel free to visit :
http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=66067&rt=Other-Hot-Drinks-in-Turkey.html

Related Reports :

Other Hot Drinks in Spain
http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=66063&rt=Other-Hot-Drinks-in-Spain.html

Other Hot Drinks in Taiwan
http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=66066&rt=Other-Hot-Drinks-in-Taiwan.html

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About the Author:
Bharat Book Bureau, the leading market research information aggregator provides reports, company profiles, newsletters, country info. and online databases for the past twenty two years to corporate, consulting firms, academic institutions, government departments, agencies etc., globally, including India. Our reports help global companies to know different market before starting up business / expanding in different countries across the world.
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Coffee in Taiwan

Coffee in Taiwan

Coffee in Taiwan market report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data, allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they new product developments, packaging innovations, economic/lifestyle influences, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts illustrate how the market is set to change.

Why buy this report
Get insight into trends in market performance
Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change
Identify market and brand leaders and understand the competitive environment

Product coverage
Fresh coffee; Instant coffee

key Chapters :

HOT DRINKS IN TAIWAN : MARKET INSIGHT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Economic crisis hurts off-trade sales of coffee and tea
On-trade benefits from players' focus on tea and coffee
Domestic company Ten Ren Tea retains leadership
Supermarkets/hypermarkets the distribution channel of choice
Focus on premium and healthy products to drive growth
KEY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Economic recession puts the brakes on consumer spending
Growing interest in speciality coffee boosts sees focus shift to quality
Comfort consumption offers hope in recession-hit Taiwan
Rising commodity prices pose a challenge to producers
Gift packs offer a good potential for growth
MARKET DATA

To know more and to buy a copy of your report feel free to visit :
http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=65976&rt=Coffee-in-Taiwan.html

Related Reports :

Coffee in Italy
http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=65961&rt=Coffee-in-Italy.html

Coffee in Spain
http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=65973&rt=Coffee-in-Spain.html

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Contact us at :

Bharat Book Bureau
Tel: +91 22 27578668
Fax: +91 22 27579131
Email: info@bharatbook.com
Website: www.bharatbook.com
Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/3bbharatbook

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About the Author:
Bharat Book Bureau, the leading market research information aggregator provides reports, company profiles, newsletters, country info. and online databases for the past twenty two years to corporate, consulting firms, academic institutions, government departments, agencies etc., globally, including India. Our reports help global companies to know different market before starting up business / expanding in different countries across the world.
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While you sip from your expert looking espresso, your mouth will be too busy for talking. Never mind, your machine says it all.
The De Longhi Magnifica 3500 not only looks stylish however also whips up a beautiful cup of espresso or latte.

While you can tip ordinary cream into your coffee if you like, some coffee simply 'll not bear such treatment. A cappuccino needs frothy milk while an latte tastes best served with steamed milk.
Your Magnifica allows you to froth or steam utilizing only 1 milk simply with two lids. Your milk shoots through an angled nozzle positioned right over your cup. Set your milk to 1 of three amounts depending on how milky you like it, or how large your coffee cup is. Be prepared to add all kinds of coffee to your menu too.
Your options are wide.

Opt for tea or hot chocolate instead if the hour is too late your your friends prefer something herbal.
On the other hand, offer decaffeinated coffee without switching machines.
In fact, by-pass your grinding compartment altogether using a separate compartment for pre-ground coffee.

As far as grinding goes, you can choose from one of 5 settings. Get that fine ground you wish for espresso or something a bit more coarse.
For a morning cup, set the machine to start before you get up.
Wake to aroma of a cup of steaming coffee awaiting your first sip.

With an LCD display there is no need for a coffee calendar or sticky notes.
You 'll always know when it's time to re-fill water, empty the deep drip tray or add more beans. Your display gives you brief instructions, shows you the status of your machine, even tells you when to clean it.

When it comes to cleaning, the job is simple.
Your milk container comes out easily to become stored in the refrigerator when full or thrown in with the rest of your dishes when empty. Have no doubt when it's time to empty the grounds or rinse your espresso maker with the displayed instructions plus accessible parts easily removed to place under hot water.

Your coffee maker comes with helpful extras.
Find a scoop, troublesome water tester and brush for cleaning. Even access twenty-four hour help by telephone if even the manual and easy-to-use features leave you perplexed.

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About the Author:
Click Here to see the full review of the espresso maker Magnifica 3500Ashley Puckett runs The Espresso Machines Guide website - where you will find a selection of the  Best Espresso Makers currently on the market.
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Coffee in New Zealand

Coffee in New Zealand

Coffee in New Zealand market report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data, allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they new product developments, packaging innovations, economic/lifestyle influences, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts illustrate how the market is set to change.

Why buy this report
Get insight into trends in market performance
Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change
Identify market and brand leaders and understand the competitive environment

Product coverage
Fresh coffee; Instant coffee

key Chapters :

HOT DRINKS IN NEW ZEALAND : MARKET INSIGHT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Consumers continue to trade up in hot drinks

Booming café culture and rising health concerns shape consumer preferences

Multinationals retain stronghold in hot drinks

Grocery retailers remain the dominant distribution channel

Consumers' dependency on hot drinks encourages positive forecast

KEY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS

Premiumisation continues in hot drinks in 2008

Supermarkets/hypermarkets remain the dominant distribution channel

Café culture encourages adoption of more sophisticated products at home

Ethical consumerism rises across New Zealand

Concerns over health and wellness drive hot drinks in 2008

MARKET DATA

To know more and to buy a copy of your report feel free to visit :
http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=65963&rt=Coffee-in-New-Zealand.html

Related Reports :

Coffee in Taiwan
http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=65976&rt=Coffee-in-Taiwan.html

Coffee in the United Kingdom
http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=65980&rt=Coffee-in-the-United-Kingdom.html

Or

Contact us at :

Bharat Book Bureau
Tel: +91 22 27578668
Fax: +91 22 27579131
Email: info@bharatbook.com
Website: www.bharatbook.com
Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/3bbharatbook

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About the Author:
Bharat Book Bureau, the leading market research information aggregator provides reports, company profiles, newsletters, country info. and online databases for the past twenty two years to corporate, consulting firms, academic institutions, government departments, agencies etc., globally, including India. Our reports help global companies to know different market before starting up business / expanding in different countries across the world.
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Bring Home A Pavoni Napolitana For Outstanding Coffee

Be the master of your own espresso with the Pavoni Napolitana.
Even if many individuals think they need to go to a coffee shop to have a actually fantastic coffee, all they actually need is the right coffee maker.
Your Napolitana not only looks beautiful, however it does the job.

There is little that stainless steel may not accompany where decor is concerned. Add to glistening metal a large black, removable drip tray and you get a sleek, smart machine: just the appliance to place at centre-stage on your work surface, or push it back to blend in.
Not only may your kitchen become espresso central for friends and co-workers you 'll impress yourself with every glimpse of your toy in the morning.

The Napolitana makes two shots of espresso in less than half a minute. The whole system heats up in only three.
This means inviting friends over for a spontaneous cup of cappuccino or espresso is no problem. Brew six cups in less than a minute and a half.
Do you think your friends can wait that long? Break out some biscuits if they get impatient.

Your semi-automatic machine only requires that you control the start and stop of coffee flow by pressing a button. Set a course for steamed milk in 120 seconds.
Use your pressurized steam want to put the froth on a cappuccino. Espressos appear creamy, simply the way you like them.

Save yourself cash too. While your Napolitana ranks among the moderately high-end machines, a conical burr coffee grinder makes up part of the package. This means just one appliance is all you need. Grind fresh and to your personal specifications with every cup: really fine or a coarser grind plus everything in between. Running at low RPMs means the grinder 'll not burn your beans.

Heat water as much as 180 degrees as you would with a commercial machine.
The heat shield will protect you from burns.
This machine gives you lots of power and steam pressure for your money, yet the Ulka pump ensures quiet performance. Enjoy workmanship from Italy, where they actually know the best way to make espresso.

Color LED display forms one of many bonus features.
Others include a 100 ounce water reservoir which receives excess water for minimum waste. You also get the comfort of stainless steel outside and stainless steel baskets.
Know what clean actually means; taste it in the absence of rust or other particulates with this cafe-worthy espresso machine.

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About the Author:
Click Here to see the full review of the espresso maker Pavoni NapolitanaAshley Puckett runs The Espresso Machines Guide website - where you will find a selection of the  Best Espresso Centers currently on the market.
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What's chic, unique, 1st in class, best in brew, and steeped in the tradition of old world craftsmanship that began in 1927 Milan, Italy when Roberto Rancilio created "La Regina"? No, it's not La Boehme (grin, grin).

It's the Rancilio Silvia v3 Espresso Machine, latest in an internationally lauded product line of innovative, affordable, and technologically unparalleled home and office espresso machines.

Cup after cup of perfection, Rancilio is fast achieving its goal of "coffeeing the world".
Now you too can brew to perfection with Rancilio's newly renovated Silvia v3.

Setting The Gold Typical

If there's a gold typical in the espresso machine genre, Rancilio is the company that's been setting it for quite some time.
Now they've raised the bar by equipping the Silvia v3 with an easy-to-use stainless steel steam wand, expanding the range of motion, a flawlessly designed commercial filter for ideal water distribution and temperature ranging, and a delightfully shaped steam knob (hot water dispenser): elements that optimize form and function of this already successful machine.

You'll brew espresso deliciously and confidently with those time-tested, easy-to-use-and-brew components: a large 12 ounce marine grade brass boiler for optimal steaming power and recycling times when brewing multiple espressos (the durable brass resists pitting and scale build-up); a 7 gram coffee scoop, plastic tamper, 2 filter baskets (single and double); a three-way solenoid valve that relieves water pressure and prevents dripping; high quality controls (same as the famed Rancilio S20 Series); temperature ready lights and safety switches, a cup warmer that holds as much as 6 cups of espresso, a large removable two quart water reservoir, pod adaptability and an exclusive two year warranty.

These expertly engineered elements translate into superior performance with every cup your brew.
Its "good as gold" construction features a frame cast in heavy iron and a stylish, high quality, brushed stainless steel exterior casing, drip pan, and tray. Plus, it cleans up like a dream, allowing you that extra quality time to spend relaxing with friends and family, or catching up on some quiet alone time that's too frequently too elusive in modern culture.

A Conversation Piece

This elegant blend of old world European charm and modern invention 'll add warmth, flavor, and vitality to your casual and formal entertaining. Styled to enhance any decor, it's a guaranteed conversation piece, a fusion of timeless tradition and ergonomic technology guaranteed to infuse your home with aroma and ambience to delight more than the senses.
Rancilio's Silvia v3 espresso machine is state-of-the-art home-and-heart blend-and-brew wunderkind as tasteful and unique as are you.
Start brewing today with this remarkable machine available online and wherever fine household appliances are sold.

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About the Author:
Click Here to see the full review of the espresso maker Rancilio Silvia V3Ashley Puckett runs The Espresso Machines Guide website - where you will find a selection of the  Best Espresso Machines currently on the market.
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Any appliance that carries the famous Delonghi brand is expected to perform well. The Delonghi Espresso Maker EC155 has an exceptionally low price tag for a Delonghi product. Did they cut corners? This article will explore whether or not the Delonghi Espresso Maker EC155 is a bargain or a waste of money.

The Delonghi is Quite Adaptable

It has a removable 35 ounce water tank which you can place directly under your sink to fill up. The tank is large enough for about a dozen shots of espresso between refills. There's an adjustable swivel jet frother which produces steam that can be mixed with milk to make cappuccino.

For the money, perhaps the most impressive feature of the Delonghi Espresso Maker EC155 is the patented dual function filter which can not only use ground espresso like any other espresso maker, but it can also use E.S.E. pods. What is that? It stands for "Easy Serve Espresso" and it consists of ground espresso which stays in a convenient bag.

You just put the bag in the filter, and remove the used bag when the brewing is done. This saves you the hassle of tamping down on the ground espresso and then cleaning the used espresso grounds out of the filter when the brew cycle is finished.

Click here for the best deals on the Delonghi Espresso Maker EC155.

It's a Solidly Built Little Machine.

The Delonghi Espresso Maker EC155 uses a 15-bar self-priming pump system. That means it will pump hot water through the ground espresso at roughly 15 times normal atmospheric pressure, producing authentic espresso with a quarter inch head known as the crema.

It has a durable stainless steel boiler which promptly heats the water and two thermostats to control the water pressure and the steam pressure separately. It's all packed into a nice tight little footprint (7 1/2" by 9 1/2" by 11 1/8").

Always Look for the Best Deals

With proper care this little mighty mite should last for years, producing authentic espresso of professional caliber. As inexpensive as the Delonghi Espresso Maker EC155 is - you can always find better deals on the Internet.

For the best deals, just click here: Delonghi Espresso Maker EC155

This article was originally published under the title: Delonghi Espresso Maker EC155 - Is The Quality Up to Par?

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About the Author:

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For the Delonghi company to come out with a machine as low priced as the Delonghi Espresso Machine EC155, you may be tempted to think there's a "catch" somewhere. In this article we're going to take a look at the Delonghi Espresso Machine EC155 to see what's in it.

No Cup Warmer - No Bean Grinder - But there IS a Dual Filter

If you're expecting something along the lines of the Delonghi "Magnifica" super automatic series you'll be disappointed. There is no bean grinder or cup warmer on this model, and it won't clean up after itself like the more advanced Delonghi models will. But for the extremely inexpensive price point of the Delonghi Espresso Machine EC155, it's amazing what they do manage to put into it.

In this author's opinion, the most interesting feature is the patented dual filter which allows you to use E.S.E. pods as well as ordinary pre-ground espresso. The advantage of the E.S.E. (Easy Serve Espresso) pods is that you simply drop them into the filter, brew your espresso, then throw out the used pod. There's no complicated tamping or messy clean up.

Click here for the best deals on the Delonghi Espresso Machine EC155

It Has a 15 Bar Self-Priming Pump Driven System

If you know anything about espresso machines, then you know that a pump driven system puts the hot water under greater pressure than an ordinary steam driven espresso machine. The higher the pressure, the stronger the espresso and the better the espresso head - known as the crema.

The Delonghi Espresso Machine EC155 has a 15 bar pump system. That means it will put the hot water under approximately 15 times normal sea level air pressure. That is quite high. As a result the espresso brewed by the Delonghi Espresso Machine EC155 is the same quality as high end coffee house espresso, with an excellent quarter inch crema.

It's Built to Last

These machines are quite solidly put together, and so far they have been reported to just continue cranking out excellent espresso for years with minimal maintenance. There's also a steaming wand for cappuccino which is reported to continue to function as long as the rest of the machine functions - a fact which should not be overlooked.

If you're an espresso or cappuccino purist and just want a basic rugged machine to provide you with excellent home espresso, then you should have a look at the Delonghi Espresso Machine EC155.

Good bargains can always be found online. For the best deals on the Delonghi Espresso Machine EC155 this model, just click on: Delonghi Espresso Machine EC155

This article was originally published as: Delonghi Espresso Machine EC155 - Is There Any Benefit for You?

 

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The History of Today's Gourmet Coffee

"Coffee is the common man's gold, and like gold, it brings to every person the feeling of luxury and nobility." – Sheik Abd-al-Qadir

Think about the last cup of coffee you drank. Was it a gourmet coffee blend from Starbucks Coffee? Or maybe a pot you brewed at home such as Maxwell House? Now answer this question: Where did it originate from? Chances are the response will be a wild guess or an "I don't know".

According to the International Coffee Organization's Executive Director, the amount of coffee consumed worldwide throughout 2009 reached roughly 132 million bags. Nearly 21.5 million of those bags could be attributed to consumption in just the United States, which is more than any other single country. Of those avid coffee drinkers, most will admit knowing very little about the history and origin of the tantalizing beverage.

The exact beginnings remain unclear. Legends tell of an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi who, in c.850, noticed the energizing effects his flock experienced after eating the bright red berries from a local shrub. After experimenting with the berries himself, Kaldi brought the berries to a nearby Muslim holy man. However, the holy man disapproved of their use and threw them into a fire. Suddenly an enticing aroma began to fill the air. The roasted beans were then raked from the glowing embers, ground, and dissolved in hot water, creating the world's first cup of coffee.

Although this tale has emerged as an entertaining speculation, the earliest credible evidence of either knowledge of the coffee tree or coffee drinking comes from mid-fifteenth century southern Arabia in the Sufi monasteries around Mocha (or Mokha), Yemen. It was here that coffee beans were first roasted and brewed similarly to how they are today. It is rumored that the Arab word ‘qahwah', stemming from the verb ‘gahiya', signifying "to have no hunger", was the first name given to what is known as ‘coffee' in today's English language.

In 1587 Abd al-Qadir al-Jazirir, who may be considered one of the most important early coffee writers, compiled a work tracing the history and legal controversies of coffee. A translation of this work maps the spread of coffee from Yemen north to Mecca and Medina, then on to the larger cities of Cairo, Damascus, Baghdad, and Istanbul. Historians place the first established coffeehouse in Constantinople (today's Istanbul). There is some controversy regarding the exact time and location. Various legends tell of place known as ‘Kiva Han' that was opened in the late fifteenth century. However, the Ottoman historian Ibrahim Pecevi reported that in 1555 "a fellow called Hakam from Aleppo and a wag called Shams from Damascus came to the city; they each opened a large shop in the district called Tahtakale, and began to purvey coffee."

The immense amount of trade between Venice and the Muslims in North Africa, Egypt and the East brought a variety of goods to Europe, including coffee. Coffee-drinking was introduced as something prestigious to wealthy Venetians which, in turn, allowed merchants to charge heavily. At this time controversy arose regarding whether or not it was acceptable to consume during Lent. Thankfully Pope Clement VIII settled the dispute in 1600, ruling that it was. Coffee's popularity in Europe continued to grow and then, in 1645, the first European coffeehouse was opened in Venice.

Shortly after the opening of this coffeehouse in Venice, the first English coffeehouse, Oxford's Queen's Lane Coffee House, was established. The business is still in existence to this day, attracting connoisseurs and enthusiasts from around the world. At this time coffeehouses were known as ‘penny universities' because a penny was charged for admission and a cup of coffee. It was here that the concept of tipping was formed. Signs reading ‘To Insure Promptitude' were placed by a tin. Those patrons desiring prompt service and better seating threw coins into the tin. And so, the word ‘tip' was created.

Coffee continued to spread like wildfire throughout Europe. At the end of the seventeenth century the Dutch became the first to commercially transport and cultivate the plants. In fact, they were among the first to defy the Arab prohibition on the exportation of unroasted seeds or plants by smuggling seedlings from the port of Mocha to the Dutch East Indies. The first attempt at cultivation in Java and Ceylon, Indonesia, was met with such success that the Dutch East India Company was able to supply the demand in Europe with ‘Java coffee' by 1719.

About a year later seedlings found their way to Martinique in the Caribbean thanks to a French naval officer. Some fifty years later there were nearly 20,000 coffee trees on the island. In the meantime, coffee had made its way to Brazil by around 1727. A man named Francisco de Mello Palheta was sent to French Guinea by the Emperor of Brazil with strict instructions to obtain viable seeds. After some initial struggle and a few near-death experiences, Francisco succeeded in seducing the French Governor's wife who, in turn, secretly sent seeds and shoots to him in Brazil. This initiated the Brazilian coffee industry, although it didn't begin to truly prosper until a century later.

Coffee continued to grow and spread throughout South and then Central America until it finally reached North America during the Colonial period.  Although one would assume that as soon as it reached North America this delectable beverage would quickly gather momentum, this was not the case. Interestingly enough, alcoholic beverages remained much more popular. However, when the Revolutionary War hit, the increased alertness that came from drinking coffee caused its demand to soar. When the British cut off access to tea imports during the War of 1812, Americans' taste for coffee grew. That paired with the amplified demand during the American Civil War and brewing technological advances, later followed by prohibition, sealed coffee's fate as an everyday commodity in the United States.

Today there are numerous blends, brands and brews that range from instant to premium or gourmet coffee. Some of the top-selling national brands are Maxwell House and Folgers Coffee while the premium names include Starbucks Coffee and Caribou Coffee. No matter the name, though, the historical journey holds true for all. So the next time you pour yourself a cup of gourmet coffee or order that caramel macchiato at the Starbucks drive-through, take a moment to appreciate those who made such delicious beverages not only possible, but everyday necessities in many people's lives.

 

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About the Author:
With over 40 years of office coffee experience we are a Preferred Starbucks Distributor, Authorized Keurig K-Cup Distributor, Caribou and Green Mountain coffee distributor. We can provide you everything you need at wholesale prices to keep your break-room stocked. Orders are normally shipped the same day when they are placed by 11 a.m. EST. Live operators are available 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Please visit: http://cheapercoffee.com/ or call 888-779-3952
 
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