When you think of coffee, especially when it’s made from Arabica coffee beans, it’s hard not to think of Italy in the same thought. Indeed, Italian coffee is world renowned and most of us are speaking Italian when we order our morning beverage: espresso, cappuccino, latte — these are all Italian words. This is because coffee is Italy’s national beverage. It’s how most Italians start their day. However, Italy is not where the coffee phenomenon began.

Coffee grew in popularity in the medieval Middle East, quickly gaining support as an Islamic drink. It reached the shores of Europe through Arabic and Ottoman trade with the powerful seafaring nation of Venice and soon grew a enthusiastic following. Some tried to have it outlawed, viewing it as a satanic drink, but Pope Clement VIII, after trying a cup, declared: "This devil's drink is so delicious...we should cheat the devil by baptising it." With papal approval, coffee began slowly but surely to assert itself in Europe. At first it was considered something for medicinal use, but the strong aroma, deliciously bitter taste, and invigorating feeling it gave people meant that it soon transitioned into recreational use. With Venice at the forefront, Italy’s city states were soon full of caffes serving their namesake.

Nowadays, coffee is very much a part of our daily lives. There are many different guises and styles: espresso, for example, was designed to be drunk fast, so that Italian factory workers would have shorter breaks; cappuccino, named after the Capuchin monks who wore cream-coloured robes, was based on a Viennese version of coffee with cream and cinnamon or chocolate; americano was originally intended as an insult, since American GI’s stationed in Italy in World War II diluted their espresso with hot water. Nevertheless, the foundation of a good, strong Arabica has not changed in centuries, nor has the dominance of Italian coffee. For while Italy does not grow coffee on any recognisable scale, it is the heart of coffee culture around the world. Italy epitomises the coffee experience: good quality product, brewed fast and strong, and enjoyed however you like.

Italy is coffee’s marketing department, and at Buongusto, we are proud to be continuing the legacy of authentic Italian coffee at an affordable price.

Check out what we have to offer at http://www.buongusto.co.uk