The Legend and Economy of Coffee

It is amazing that this mere beverage has been able to generate such a wealth of romantic tales. On it other face, it also is behind a hard driving business model that affects almost all continents around the world. It is truly a wonder. From its humble beginnings to the current pedestal it sits upon, this pungent and dark liquid has enriched, fascinated, cured and enthralled people the world over.

Legends abound about the origins of the coffee plant. We have found that the most constant historic information puts coffees' discovery in Ethiopia somewhere around 500 BC. From there, upon observing the stimulating effects of its berries, travelers brought it with them to Arabia, where it acquired the name.

The arts and sciences found their birth during the Renaissance. Along side their growth we find the world wide production and distribution of coffee growing also. Considered by some to be "a heathenish liquid' it was being consumed by people of every social class. By the late 18th century plantations and drinking popularity had spread this beverage to the Middle East, Europe, Asia,North and South North America.

Over the course of the following centuries the health effects that were due to coffee certainly can seem miraculous. Lets find out some of the real facts based upon scientific research. A study from Harvard followed over 100,000 individuals for almost 20 years they came to the conclusion that general to moderate use of coffee products will assist diabetics. Other studies show that male sperm swims faster, longer and thus farther in liquids laced with coffee. These speedy sperm are being stimulated by the caffeine kick we all love.

The antioxidants that are found in drinks like wine, are also found in coffee These are what are touted as helping keep hearts healthier. We do find that critics argue over if the pros outweigh the cons. Coffee is also a diuretic. This motivates you to experience more frequent urination. Yet others assert that the stimulation from caffeine can lead to long term nerve degeneration. If you have ever experienced caffeine withdrawal, than you know first hand it can lead to increased sleeplessness and headaches.

But for good or ill - or both - coffee is here to stay. The economics alone virtually guarantee that, since as a commodity coffee is second only in dollar volume to oil. Whether traded on exchanges in London, New York, Hong Kong or Lima with over 400 billion cups consumed annually, this other 'black gold' only grows in popularity. It has been found that 63% of the world wide adults population drinks coffee occasionally, the total retail sales hovers near the $12 billion level annually.

Add to those figures the number of raw beans, grinders, roasters, brewers and cups bought for the home and the figures become astounding. With the rise in both basic commodity and specialty retail prices, the future for coffee businesses continues to look bright. Starbucks alone has over 10,000 outlets around the world.

The home is starting to replace specialty coffee shops for your favorite cup of coffee. Most people make a cup at home and then buy one from a coffee shop on the way to work. There are so many blends of coffee we will write an article on that in the future. At home you have the choice of roasters, types of brewers or splurge on your own espresso machine. Since espresso was invented in 1901 it has continued its rise in popularity ever since.

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