Traditions and Superstitions Around Coffee

In the history of coffee, we can see that it is involved in countless traditions and superstitions.

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, that’s a fact that has been so for centuries. It’s not surprising then that around it many traditions and cultural customs have been established, and as in any culture, even superstitions have sporadically surrounded coffee over the decades.

From telling the future to repelling ghosts, many properties have been attributed to the dark and aromatic infusions that we enjoy so much in our day to day life, and in today's article, we will explore some popular beliefs whose main theme is none other than coffee.

Most Popular (and Exotic) Coffee-Related Superstitions

Are you superstitious? Many people are. Even coffee lovers all around the world have their share of superstitious beliefs. Here are some of the most common superstitions associated with coffee.

• Middle-East: who doesn't spill coffee now and then? It's a nuisance, but according to Middle-Eastern folklore, spilling coffee is considered a good luck omen. So next time you have an incident with your morning coffee being spilled all over your favorite shirt, look at the stain and say "lucky me"
• Finland: if a bubble forms on the surface of your coffee but moves away from you, expect to lose money. If the bubble moves towards you, expect to gain some. If you blow the bubble in the desired direction, consider this creating good luck for yourself. But, if they form in the middle of your cup, prepare yourself for some bad weather, around the rim signals a beautiful day ahead. The truth to this is that, in high pressure, the surface of the coffee concaves, forcing bubbles to the center thereby signaling fair weather and sunshine. In low pressure, the surface convexes thereby forcing the bubbles to the outside of the cup and the possibility of changing the weather with rain (or even snow). Try to catch any bubbles anywhere on the surface of your coffee because doing so is said to bring good luck if they are caught with a spoon and consumed
• Dominican Republic: according to Dominican coffee lovers, drinking coffee while standing up should be avoided as it portends plans for the day will not come to fruition. There is a body of research that recommends drinking and eating while sitting down, but it isn't immediately apparent why taking coffee standing up would bring ruination
• Greece: Some Greek people believe that you must use the same coffee cup when drinking coffee or something bad will happen to you. Another superstition says that if you leave bread and coffee in the house, you have the perfect weapon against ghosts (it’s worth trying if you’re afraid of ghosts)
• Coffee and gender: is gender important in our morning brew? Apparently, it is. If a female brews your coffee and then spills it, her lover is thinking of her. This is significant if you thought you were her one, true love
• Romanians believe you can predict the future by examining or ‘’reading’’ coffee grounds, but coffee fortune telling has certain rules for it to succeed. First, the fortune teller must be paid or the prediction won't come true (those were some clever gypsies). The readings shouldn't be done at night or they won't work, also don't thank the fortune teller or the prediction will be lost.

What do you think? Can there be some truth to these popular beliefs? Follow us on our social networks and talk about it in the comment section, here at THAT COFFEE ROASTERS we love to read and know all your different opinions.

Coffee and bread are ghost repellants in some cultures, can you believe that?

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

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Colombian Coffee Facts and Traditions

Learn more about our heritage.

There’s coffee, and then there’s Colombian coffee, which is worldwide known for its diversity and rich flavors. Some people claim that it’s the best coffee in the world and, honestly, it’d be hard to argue against it. If there’s a culture that takes coffee seriously, it’s Colombian. In the Latin American country, coffee is always the perfect excuse to meet with friends and talk. It’s there in the mornings and late afternoons and at least 89 percent of Colombian people consider it the national beverage.

Coffee is never absent in at least 8 of 10 Colombian homes, and it’s always present in 86 percent of the stores. Colombia perceives around $3.5 billion per year thanks to coffee revenue, and most of this is thanks to the thousands of coffee farmers around the country. The Colombian coffee you drink every day comes from one of the 66.387 hectares worth of coffee crops.

And that’s where most of the Colombian coffee magic resides. Every day, coffee farmers follow a long tradition of producing top-notch quality coffee. Colombian coffee cherries are manually harvested when they’ve reached ideal ripening levels, and they’re immediately cleaned from the paste to make sure it won’t impregnate beans. This way, Colombian coffee differentiates itself from others because of its handcrafted tradition and culture. Every farmer works to pick just the very best of their crops.

Manual harvest results in better quality beans, and it employs a vast part of the Colombian rural population. Around 95 percent of Colombian families that work with coffee have their own farms, which is why coffee production is seen as a family activity by Colombian people (and by us as well!). Everyone participates, and the coffee traditions pass from one generation to the next, allowing consistency in quality.

In addition, Colombia has been putting extra efforts in developing social responsibility programs to support coffee farmers and give them the tools they need to improve their production and learn new ways to grow better coffee. They’re also focused on developing environmentally friendly solutions to face climate change, which is already affecting coffee crops all over the country.

One thing’s certain: for Colombian people, coffee means family, well being and tradition. It’s part of our identity and part of our pride. Black coffee helps us feel close to those we love the most, as well as it gives us vitality and energy to go through our days. It’s the perfect host for home and work. Coffee with milk evokes feelings associated with coziness and safety. It brings back the memories of the best moments shared with our families, and it simply makes us happy! At That Coffee Roasters, we have a special place in our hearts for all Colombian coffee, and we continue to carry on the traditions of our lands to offer coffee’s best virtues and qualities to you!

What's your favorite thing about Colombian coffee?

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Saudi Arabia: Coffee’s Birthplace

This beverage has been drunk from centuries, making it a profound beverage with cultural roots.

The origins of coffee are necessarily related to how coffee drinking became part of our culture. But before that, there are some questions we need to answer: where did coffee really come from? Before being discovered it was just berries, so how did it become a beverage? Not everyone is aware of where it all started, but it turns out that most researchers have a clue that Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of the coffee we drink today.

Most authorities believe that the plant is native to Abyssinia and Saudi Arabia as well. Its first mention in history is traced back to the 9th century A.D., by an Arabian physician. The Abyssinians brought the plant along into Ethiopia in early ages, so it is possible to assume they spread the growth of the coffee plant.

After the beverage had been discovered in both Abyssinia and Arabia, the need of cultivating coffee plants became evident. But it was until 15th and 16th centuries that the cultivation truly began. At first, Arabians tried to control the industry of coffee in Yemen, by preventing any of the berries from leaving the country. They took it even further, as they put the berries in boiling water to avoid the plant to grow.

The efforts of the Arabians to grow the coffee plant into several plants failed, not because of the climate but the seeds, as they lose their germinating power over time.

Also, Arabians couldn’t possibly control every method and avenue of transport: there were thousands of pilgrimages destined to and from Mecca every year. There’s also the credit to the Indians into the development of coffee cultivation in Southern India.

Indians claim that Baba Budan, a Muslim pilgrim, planted coffee seeds near his hut – The first plantations of coffee the English would take advantage off –, which played a role, years after, in importation. The extension of coffee plantations now goes from north of Mysore to Tuticorin.

The subject remains a topic of general discussion, but the truth is that Saudi Arabia played an important role in the first roots of what coffee is today. It’s been centuries since, but the plants of coffee are still grown, harvested and sold worldwide, and they will go on for many years. That Coffee Roasters is on the constant look for improvement; all their coffee products follow high-quality standards that ensure proper results. Give them a visit or contact them to see why no one else makes coffee as they do.

Historians managed to track down the roots of coffee back to Saudi Arabia, where it is said the tradition started. 

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Coffee Manners throughout the World

In certain countries, the rituals and manners of coffee drinking divert from the classic method.

Conventional manners and customs are ever present in our lives; these are what differentiates us from other cultures worldwide. From things like getting together at breakfast to having a cup of tea in afternoons, we identify with these traditions as a way to feel more like “ourselves.” Coffee is no exception, and there are as many ways of drinking it as customs worldwide.

Every country has their methods and traditions around this beverage due to their own cultural and historical roots, but each one enjoys drinking their coffee. Let’s take a look at the many different ways people adapted their drink to their own culture and needs.

The British and coffee

Great Britain and coffee have a long way back in history. At first, tea was the traditional beverage among the bourgeoisie (it was expensive), but with the arrival of coffee in the mid-17th century, things changed a little. Tea started to become more affordable with time, making it accessible for middle and working classes as well.

Today, tea is still part of their tradition, and it’s almost considered a ritual, but recently coffee started to get more attention. British people now claim that coffee has a higher social status than tea. There’s still a long way to go, but coffee is earning its place in history.

Europe’s culture around coffee

From north to south, Europe’s traditions with coffee have several differences. The Finnish lead the way with the most demand for coffee, preferring lightly roasted blends. People in Central Europe, on the other hand, prefer a medium roast. French, Spanish and Italians all favor dark roasts instead but drink less coffee than Scandinavians.

The taste of coffee in Italy

Espresso brews are the holy grail of Italians. If you get to a café in Italy and order a coffee, you’ll get an espresso, no questions asked. There’s not a time set for drinking coffee in Italy; you can practically do it at any time of the day.

Cappuccinos are usually drunk at breakfast time, accompanied by dessert. Italians consider milk as a part of the meal you’re having, so you better not ask for a latte or milk in your beverage outside that time.

Der Kaffee in Germany

Coffee in Germany has a strong background. Germans drink coffee just like people in Italy do, which is at any time of the day. The difference comes in the way they drink it, as they enjoy an open variety of options: weak or strong, milk or without milk, sugary or without any sugar, and even automatic coffee from vending machines.

The German market for coffee is very well positioned, and citizens love to have such a beverage as a part of their customs.

The United States: Coffee as an American beverage

Most sellers don’t perceive the USA as a market for coffee, but it turns out to be the complete opposite. Americans truly love drinking their coffee. Coffee houses have become spots of great interest from consumers in most American cities. Which way of drinking do they prefer? All sorts of; there’s not a limit in preferences. Specialty coffee is remarkably successful, and most clients prefer quality instead of quantity.

Home consumers are also part of the equation: many families enjoy making their own brews and having their ground coffee beans back home. It’s a widely spread tradition in the United States that increased consumption of coffee recently.

No matter where you’re from or which culture you belong to, there’s a slight chance that coffee is part of your customs. With its strong flavor and a smell that puts you in a relaxed mood, coffee is everything but a simple beverage.

That Coffee Roasters is aware of how much it means to people to drink the best coffee, which means their products can only be a 100% of quality and from the best sources in the world. Do you need a coffee that makes it worth your while? Then you must contact them now; you won’t have these products anywhere else.

Perhaps you haven't asked yourself, but isn't it curious that people often drink coffee from a cup? This is no coincidence; it's all because of the tradition.

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

The Three Waves of Coffee

In order to define the waves of coffee, one should know how the coffee industry became what it is today.

As years pass by, the understanding of what it means to provide what’s best for customers continues to evolve, along with the quality of coffee produced. Long gone were those days where coffee was just about drinking and feeling an energy boost: now coffee goes deep into our customs and way of living, meaning much more than just a dark beverage. Today, we seek to comprehend what coffee used to mean before, its present perception and a possible glimpse of what’s to come for this art.

There’s a term that’s been used a lot nowadays to position coffee in history and how we perceive it today: the Third Wave of Coffee, which is attributed to Trish Rothgeb, back in 2002. But before we get into explaining the third one, let’s get into all them by order, to understand Rothgeb’s perception of how coffee grew through history.

First Wave of Coffee: The Basis

The First Wave was based on how mass marketers set their goals into increasing consumption of coffee and to put it into everyone’s houses. They set the basis with their innovations, including new ways of packaging, like airtight cans, which made it easier to transport coffee to each customer. This phase set the first rules of coffee as a major commodity. Marketing coffee for flavor also took place, with Juan Valdez being an example of successful brands today. Phrases and slogans like “Gourmet coffee,” “The sovereign drink of pleasure and health” and “Good to the last drop” are remnants of the culture the First Wave left behind.

It looked like a promising era for coffee, but the First Wave it’s actually criticized for mass production while sacrificing taste and quality. But thanks to this expansion, the industry was allowed to take the next step.

Second Wave of Coffee: Background and Origins

The Second Wave of Coffee focused on coffee’s identity. It was all centered in its origins, roasting styles, and many information that is now part of the “mainstream” media. Most big companies today (Starbucks, Peet’s and others) started in this period. At this point, specialty coffee shops were a success, and they paved their way, becoming big industries today. The concept of introducing espresso beverages worldwide and elevation of standards through Arabica can be attained to the Second Wave, as well.

The Second Wave was all about standardizing, sourcing and quality. Most experts claim the Third Wave hasn’t yet arrived because of this, but others think the Third Wave is a sort of switch or reversal to what these standards tried to do with the industry.  

Third Wave of Coffee: The Product

Both the First Wave and the Second Wave had their own focus. The first one was all about the mass production of coffee. With the arrival of the second one, quality and sourcing were the spotlights, but the focus was on marketing instead of the coffee. The Third Wave differentiates from both these; this is where the product is the center of all.

This wave of coffee features the interest of coffee aficionados into knowing the true character of coffee itself. Some perceive this wave as a movement against bad marketing and the way bad coffee had been promoted to this day.

Coffee’s been with us for more than a millennia, but it was in the past 100 years that real change could be seen. Today, coffee is much more than a simple beverage you drink in your mornings. It’s a unique – almost saint-like – experience. No matter how you look at it, coffee has walked a long way to get where it is, but what comes next? Perhaps there’s a Fourth Wave or a better version of the third, only time could tell.

A business of such wingspan only could be related to those who have managed to earn their spot in the industry of coffee. That Coffee Roasters is as big as the popularity this millennial bean created: their tradition also goes way back in time. Do you want a cup of coffee that exceeds expectations? If you contact them, you’ll have it at your front door!

Most experts debate if there's a Fourth Wave of Coffee on the brew. While the third one seems to keep on being a success, it's all guessing from this point on.

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

How Coffee Drinking Became a Culture

Coffee drinking today is almost considered a ritual of relaxation and a moment of inner peace.

With the passage of time, there have been many changes in the way we behave and live. Many things have evolved in these last years, but overall we haven’t changed that much compared to how we were centuries back. In fact, there’s a culture that’s been ongoing for millennia that spins around one little green bean: coffee.

Coffee has persisted in our lives, shaping the very roots of history itself. This beverage of ancient times is a drink associated with social interaction, intelligence, and business even. Curiously, many thinkers and politicians back in the day found the answers to essential questions while having a sip of coffee.

Coffee plants are from way back in time, but the discovery of coffee’s true potential wasn’t until the 1400s when people found out they could roast its seeds. After that, coffee took a huge step and paved its way into history.

It was only one century after that the drink widespread across Arab’s coffeehouses. Europe didn’t take that long to be filled up with this beverage; business turned coffee into a successful one. This is where coffee became more than a drink, but an opportunity for social interaction and brainstorming of ideas.

Coffee, as a mood booster, was the ideal drink for writers and composers to create their works, and most coffeehouses were spectators of the birth of classics we enjoy up to this day.

For Americans, history proves to be somewhat different. Word says that back in 1773, just after the Boston Tea Party, American colonists raided British ships and trashed all crates of tea. This is said to be the moment they universally switched traditions and started drinking coffee.

John Adams, an American patriot and the second President of the United States, has an interesting story to tell us about coffee. Extracted from a letter to Abihail Adams on July of 1774, he wrote the following words “… Accordingly, I have drunk coffee every afternoon since and have borne it very well. Tea must be universally renounced. I must be weaned, and the sooner, the better.”

But it wasn’t all smoothly in the history of coffee; there’s a very dark tone to it that still can be felt today. Europeans took their coffee along with them while they colonized several parts of the world. This means they forced the enslaved to grow coffee on their lands.

Sadly, this meant that the very same coffeehouses that were supposed to elevate thinking and consciousness served the French and American Revolutions to occur. It feels counterproductive that slaves were the ones behind the mass production of coffee their slave owners would be drinking.

But it didn’t last enough, for the relief of many. With the passage of time and modernism, ideas of slavery were looked as orthodox, but coffee continued to be produced worldwide. Today, when drinking a cup of coffee, you might look back and think how long it has been and how much we’ve changed. Coffee hasn’t, yet it stands forth.

Every time you feel immersed in thought, take a long sip of your dark beverage and be grateful for the opportunity. Should you seek for the best beans to produce high profile coffee, then I’d recommend you contact That Coffee Roasters. Their tradition might not be of millennia, but the quality of their beans will definitely take you back.

This beverage has been drunk for centuries, making it a profound beverage with cultural roots.

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters