Italian Coffee
Oh Italian coffee, how sweet and bold
Your aroma fills the air, a sight to behold
From the steamy espresso to the creamy cappuccino
Each sip a burst of flavour, a true masterpiece of espresso
In the bustling streets of Rome and Milan
Cafés buzz with chatter and the sound of steaming milk
A cup of you is a daily ritual, a moment of peace
Amidst the chaos, a moment to release
Your dark roast beans are ground to perfection
Brewed to a perfect temperature, with no exception
Your flavour is intense, rich and full of depth
Leaving a lasting taste on the tongue, a true masterpiece of depth
Oh Italian coffee, how you bring joy
To the hearts of those who savour each and every coy
I'll raise my cup to you, a true delight
Forever a love affair, a beautiful sight
Culture
Italian coffee culture is deeply ingrained in the country's daily life and social culture. It is common for Italians to start their day with a caffè, or espresso, which is often consumed standing up at a bar rather than sitting down in a cafe. This quick and efficient way of enjoying coffee is known as a "caffè sospeso," or suspended coffee, where a customer pays for two coffees but only consumes one, leaving the other one "suspended" for someone else to enjoy later.
In Italy, coffee is not just a drink, but an experience that is savoured and enjoyed slowly. Italians often take time to sit down and relax over an espresso or cappuccino, which is traditionally enjoyed with a small pastry or biscuit.
Italian coffee culture is also steeped in tradition, with certain rules and etiquette to be followed. For example, it is considered impolite to add sugar to an espresso, and ordering a cappuccino after 10 am is frowned upon as it is seen as a breakfast drink.
Overall, Italian coffee culture is a vibrant and integral part of the country's social and cultural fabric, with a rich history and tradition that is deeply appreciated and valued by the Italian people.
Preparation
Luigi Bezzera a mechanic and inventor
One interesting story about Italian coffee involves a man named Luigi Bezzera. In 1901, Bezzera was a mechanic and café owner in Milan, Italy who was tired of the long process of making coffee using a traditional espresso machine. He decided to try and come up with a faster method of making coffee, and eventually developed a machine that used steam pressure to force hot water through coffee grounds, creating a concentrated coffee drink in a matter of seconds.
This new machine, called the "Espresso Machine," quickly gained popularity in Italy and eventually spread to other parts of the world. Today, the espresso machine is a staple in coffee shops and homes around the globe, and it is credited with revolutionising the coffee industry.
But Bezzera's impact on the coffee world didn't stop there. He also developed the concept of "espresso lungo," a longer version of espresso that is made by adding more hot water to the shot of espresso. This gave birth to the popular coffee drinks we know today, such as the cappuccino and latte.
So, the next time you enjoy a steamy cup of Italian coffee, be sure to thank Luigi Bezzera for his contribution to the world of caffeine.