International Coffee Day
We take a closer look at the people who are behind our favourite elixir.
October. The days are getting colder, leaves are turning and the scent of autumn fills the air. You can already taste the pumpkin spice before even entering a coffee shop. This is the perfect time to give your daily cup of coffee some extra attention. And that is exactly why we celebrate International Coffee Day on 1 October.
What Exactly is International Coffee Day
On International Coffee Day, we celebrate the cooperation of coffee producers and consumers. We take a moment to think about the safety and working conditions of coffee farmers, many of whom are women. On this day, we look into those working conditions and do our part to try and improve them. Many of the people working in the coffee industry are still living under the poverty line. To bring attention to the inequality in this industry, the International Coffee Organisation started the International Coffee Day back in 2015.
What Types of Coffee Do We Know?
There are roughly 3 different types of coffee beans, 2 of which are clear market leaders. Generally, Arabica and Robusta are the most used. I’ll briefly explain a bit about the different types of coffee.
Arabica Coffee
Arabica coffee makes up about 70% of all coffee produced worldwide. It has a mild, sweet, and even fruity flavour. It won’t come as a surprise that the packaging of your favourite coffee will say 100% Arabica. What makes Arabica special, is how different two kinds can be. Arabica from Ethiopia will taste completely different from a cup produced in Congo or Kenia.
Robusta Coffee
When comparing Robusta coffee with Arabica, you’ll soon notice the difference. Robusta is a lot stronger and more bitter than Arabica, which is why you will rarely find it in your standard coffee store. Robusta is almost exclusively used in blends with Arabica. Where we do commonly find these beans, is in instant coffee.
Liberica Coffee
The last type of coffee is Liberica. Because of its weak flavour profile and difficult harvesting, these beans are rarely exported, so you will seldom find them in Belgium. This type of coffee is mainly consumed where it is produced, in West-Africa.
How Do You Celebrate International Coffee Day?
The easiest way to participate in International Coffee Day is by simply having a cup of coffee.
Do you want to be a bit more involved and support the people behind the beans? Find a fair trade coffee bar to have your daily cup. This way, you support both the sustainable production of coffee and your local small businesses.
International Coffee Day is about more than just enjoying your cup of coffee, it gives us the chance to take a closer look at the origin of your favourite elixir and the impact that sustainable choices can have.
