Coffee

Coffee

learn from cultures favorite drink

Contrary to
Popular Belief

While you might drink coffee for that extra energy boost or to enjoy its antioxidant benefits, there’s a lot more to your cup of morning Joe than you might realize. Did you know...?

Coffee comes from a fruit, and what we call a "bean" is actually the seed inside the coffee cherry.
Coffee is grown in tropical regions—it's not produced in the U.S.
It takes about 3 to 7 years for a coffee seed to grow into a mature tree that produces beans ready for harvest.
Coffee has unique flavor notes that vary depending on its origin, altitude, and processing methods. For example, Ethiopian coffee may have floral and fruity notes, while Colombian coffee can have a rich, nutty flavor with hints of chocolate.

Scroll down to see how it has the power to teach us about global cultures, sustainability, and the importance of ethical practices.

Coffee as Culture

Promoting Cultural Diplomacy

Coffee has the unique ability to bring people together, serving as a bridge between cultures and fostering mutual understanding through shared traditions.

Take Ethiopia’s Jebena Buna ceremony, for example—a treasured ritual where family and friends gather to roast, grind, and brew coffee. The ceremony is a time for storytelling, connection, and community, with coffee served in three meaningful rounds. This tradition reflects Ethiopian values of hospitality, respect, and unity, often celebrated to honor guests and mark special occasions.

Coffee reminds us how something seemingly simple can carry deep cultural significance and build connections that transcend borders.

Coffee Shops: More Than Just a Cup

Hubs for Learning and Connection
Coffee shops are natural gathering places for learning and creativity. They host workshops, book clubs, and even provide spaces for homeschoolers and community discussions. By offering these opportunities, coffee shops foster meaningful connections and inspire new ideas.

Supporting the Community
Beyond being a meeting place, coffee shops support local schools and community organizations by hosting student projects, events, and activities. Many also donate leftover food to shelters or food banks, demonstrating their commitment to giving back.

Innovating with Impact
Coffee shops have always been spaces for inspiration. Some repurpose leftover bread into baking or brewing starter cultures, while others, like Social Bite in Edinburgh, show how a single shop can evolve into a movement—providing homes, jobs, and hope for people experiencing homelessness.

Sparking Big Ideas
With their relaxed vibe and creative energy, coffee shops have been the birthplace of innovation. Even companies like Apple and Twitter found their early spark in these spaces, proving that the right environment can inspire greatness.

Sustainable Practices in Coffee Production

Upcycling Coffee Grounds
Don’t toss your coffee grounds—upcycle them! Use them for compost, skincare, or even as a natural deodorizer to give them a second life.

Energy-Efficient Drying
In Rwanda, the Kopakama Co-op uses raised drying beds to sun-dry coffee beans. This simple yet effective method saves energy and enhances the beans' quality by ensuring even airflow and drying.

Water Conservation in Coffee Processing
Water plays a big role in coffee production, but it doesn’t have to go to waste. Sustainable practices like reusing water, dry milling (which skips water altogether), and eco-friendly machines like Kenya’s solar-powered Eco-Pulpers help save water and energy.

Managing Coffee Wastewater
If not handled properly, wastewater from coffee processing can harm rivers and aquatic life. Sustainable solutions like using plants to filter water or creating artificial wetlands naturally clean and reuse this water, turning a problem into a resource.

Women Empowerment in Coffee Farming

Women play a vital role in coffee farming, managing everything from planting to processing. Yet, they own only 2-5% of the land where coffee is grown, despite making up the majority of the workforce. This disparity limits their access to resources and decision-making power.

Companies like Kahawa 1893 are changing the narrative by sourcing coffee directly from women farmers, ensuring fair compensation and empowering them to reinvest in their communities. Kahawa 1893 also provides a direct tipping system, allowing customers to contribute funds straight to these women’s pockets.

By spotlighting these women, we can help build a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry.

WATCH

This is How Your Coffee Made it to your Table

Watch time: 5 mins 52 seconds

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