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That a mere beverage could generate so many
romantic tales and so much hard-headed business is a wonder. Yet from its
beginnings to the present, this dark, pungent liquid has fascinated, cured and
enriched billions the world over.
the legends
Legends abound about the origins of the coffee plant, but the most reliable
histories put its discovery in Ethiopia somewhere around 500 BC. From there,
after observing the stimulating effects of its berries, travelers brought it to
Arabia, where it acquired the name.
The Renaissance gave birth not only to science and art, but the commercial
production and known-world distribution of what would later be called "that
heathenish liquid." By the late 18th century, both plantations and drinking
popularity had spread to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South and North America,
and to every social class.
healthy or not
Throughout those long centuries, the health effects ascribed to coffee border
on the miraculous. But, as with most claimed miracles, there's some fact at the
bottom.
Some studies suggest that mammalian sperm swim faster, farther and longer in
fluid laced with coffee. The theory is the caffeine stimulates them. One Harvard
study followed over 100,000 individuals for almost 20 years, drawing the
conclusion that moderate use can help reduce diabetes. Others show reduction in
cirrhosis of the liver and decrease of asthma severity.
As with wine, the antioxidants in coffee have been touted as helping keep hearts
healthier, though debates rage about whether the pros outweigh the cons. Coffee
is a diuretic and encourages more frequent urination, and some assert that the
stimulation from caffeine leads to long term nerve degeneration. Caffeine
withdrawal can lead to increased sleeplessness. And, caffeine is a natural
insecticide.
economics of coffee
But for good or ill--or both--coffee is here to stay. The economics alone
virtually guarantee that 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. Though only 10-20% (depending on country) of adults drink one or
more cups daily, the total retail sales hovers near the $9 billion level
annually.
Add to those figures the number of raw beans, grinders, roasters, brewers and
cups bought for the home or office 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.
And specialty coffee shops are not the only outlet for a wide choice of blends
and styles. Home roasters and brewers also can enjoy espresso, invented in 1901
and growing ever since. Straight shots, long shots or double shots are a snap
now with home machines. [Visit our Coffee Store
on eBay for Espresso
Machines]
Mocha, Latte, and Cappuccino -- all available by the addition of a few
ingredients at the touch of a few buttons. Flavored coffees in as great a
variety as wines are easy to make, with just a dash of vanilla, caramel or fruit
flavorings.
[Flavored
Coffees can be found in our Coffee Store on eBay]
With all that history, money, and delicious variety, maybe the legends weren't
so far off after all.
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