Every culture has different traditions during the holiday season as well as in their everyday lives. While the holidays bring people together at certain times of the year, there is something else that has the same power to bring loved ones together: coffee. This beverage is a part of many people’s everyday routine, and it serves as a way to connect people and cultures all around the world. In order to celebrate coffee’s role in both holidays and everyday get-togethers, we’re going to discuss the coffee culture in 3 countries that are famously connected to coffee. Keep reading to learn more about the traditions in Ethiopia, Colombia, and Turkey.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee, so this country has a long history of coffee production and traditions. As Ethiopia's main export commodity, coffee plays a big role in the economy, with millions of small coffee farmers working hard to produce quality coffee beans. In fact, Ethiopia has one of the most interesting and extensive traditions regarding coffee.
The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a daily tradition that lasts two to three hours and is performed 3 times a day. During this ceremony, the host invites close friends and family over to talk, spend time together, and prepare coffee. The host will wash the beans, clean them in a clay pan, and then roast, grind, and boil them.
This tradition is kept alive by small coffee farmers such as Wondimu Unu, who produces coffee on his 15-acre farm located in the Gedeb district of the Gedeo Zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region, Ethiopia. You can read more about his coffee here.
Colombia
Colombia has also put itself on the map for having some of the best coffee in the world. This reputation is thanks to multiple factors: the climate, the type of beans that they grow, and the coffee farmer’s dedication to hand-picking all of their beans to ensure they’re ready to be harvested. The abundance of coffee farms makes it easy to find delicious, locally sourced coffee no matter where you go.
Aside from being one of Colombia’s top exports, coffee also plays a big role in everyday life. In Colombia, coffee is more than a quick pick-me-up, it’s an excuse to spend time with your loved ones and create memories. It’s rare to go to a Colombian’s house without being greeted with a hot cup of coffee, more often referred to as a tinto in Colombia.
At Pax & Beneficia, we help support small coffee farmers in Colombia by partnering with them and sharing their story. If you want to learn more about our partnership with the Inga community, click here.
Turkey
Coffee plays a big role in the culture in Turkey and other nearby countries. In fact, it’s considered a symbol of hospitality, friendship, and community, and acts as an excuse to engage in great conversation. Even more, Turkish coffee is celebrated for its special preparation and brewing techniques.
To make Turkish coffee, water and finely ground coffee are prepared in a cezve (small, long-handled pot with a pouring lip). Depending on the family and preference of the individual, other ingredients can be added, such as cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. Next, the coffee needs to be boiled, which is traditionally done in a pan heated with sand, as seen in the picture above. After boiling, the Turkish coffee is ready to be served and enjoyed with loved ones.
Try Coffee From Around the World at Pax & Beneficia
At Pax & Beneficia, we bring the flavors of the world to you. Aside from sharing our own culture of Turkish coffee, we also partner with coffee farmers from different countries to offer a variety of flavors and experiences to our guests. If you’re looking for a specialized coffee experience, we invite you to visit one of our signature cafés.
And for those who want to prepare their own coffee at home, we have a new monthly coffee subscription that now makes it easier than ever. When you sign up for our subscription, you can choose which roast you want, how often you want it delivered, and enjoy exclusive membership benefits. To learn more, click here.
