Categories
Coffee and The Philippines History

Coffee Production in the Philippines

Hi there, coffee lovers! Today I’m going to tell you all about coffee production in the Philippines, one of the most diverse and delicious coffee regions in the world. If you’re looking for a new brew to try, you might want to check out some of the amazing varieties that Filipino farmers have to offer.

Coffee production in the Philippines dates back to the 18th century, when Spanish colonizers introduced coffee plants from Mexico. The first coffee plantations were established in Batangas, a province in Luzon island. The most popular variety grown there was Barako, a strong and aromatic coffee with a distinctive flavor. Barako is still widely consumed in the Philippines today, especially as a morning drink.

But Barako is not the only type of coffee that you can find in the Philippines. Over the years, Filipino farmers have experimented with different varieties and cultivation methods, resulting in a rich diversity of coffee flavors and aromas. Here are some of the most notable ones:

  • Arabica: This is the most common and widely grown coffee variety in the world, and it also thrives in the Philippines. Arabica beans are grown in high-altitude areas, such as Benguet, Sagada, and Mt. Apo. They have a mild and smooth taste, with hints of citrus, chocolate, and nuts.
  • Robusta: This is the second most common coffee variety in the world, and it is more resistant to pests and diseases than Arabica. Robusta beans are grown in low-altitude areas, such as Cavite, Quezon, and Sulu. They have a strong and bitter taste, with a higher caffeine content than Arabica.
  • Liberica: This is a rare and endangered coffee variety that is native to West Africa. Liberica beans are grown in limited areas in the Philippines, such as Palawan and Mindoro. They have a large and irregular shape, with a smoky and woody flavor.
  • Excelsa: This is a hybrid variety that is related to Liberica. Excelsa beans are grown in some parts of Luzon and Mindanao. They have a medium size and shape, with a fruity and floral flavor.

As you can see, coffee production in the Philippines is a fascinating and diverse topic that deserves more attention and appreciation. The next time you’re looking for a new coffee experience, why not try some of the Filipino varieties that I’ve mentioned? You might be surprised by how much you like them!

Thanks for reading this blog post about coffee production in the Philippines. I hope you learned something new and enjoyed it as much as I did. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to share this post with your fellow coffee lovers!

Until next time,

Your friendly coffee blogger

Categories
History Turkish Coffee

History of Turkish Coffee and Istanbul

If you are a coffee lover, you might have heard of Turkish coffee, a traditional drink that dates back to the 16th century. Turkish coffee is not just a type of coffee, but a way of preparing and serving it, with its own rituals and customs. In this blog post, I will tell you more about Turkish coffee and how it is related to the history of Istanbul, one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Turkish coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar in a small pot called a cezve. The cezve is usually made of copper or brass, and has a long handle to prevent burning your hand. The coffee is brewed until a layer of foam forms on the surface, which is then carefully poured into small cups called fincan. The fincan are often decorated with colorful patterns or motifs, and are served on a tray with a glass of water and sometimes a piece of Turkish delight or other sweets.

The water is used to cleanse your palate before sipping the coffee, which is very strong and bitter. The coffee is not filtered, so you should avoid drinking the grounds at the bottom of the cup. Instead, you can use them to tell your fortune by flipping the cup over and letting the grounds dry on the saucer. Then you can look for shapes and symbols in the patterns formed by the grounds, which are supposed to reveal your future.

Turkish coffee was introduced to Istanbul by the Ottoman Empire, which ruled over most of the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Europe for over six centuries. The Ottomans were great admirers of coffee, which they called kahve, and they established coffee houses all over their capital city. These coffee houses were not just places to drink coffee, but also to socialize, read books, play games, listen to music and discuss politics and philosophy. They were also centers of cultural and intellectual exchange, where people from different backgrounds and religions could meet and mingle.

The first coffee house in Istanbul was opened in 1555 by two Syrian merchants, who brought coffee beans from Yemen. Soon after, more coffee houses sprang up in the city, especially in the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world. The Grand Bazaar was also the heart of Istanbul’s economy and commerce, where merchants from all over the world traded their goods and services. The coffee houses in the Grand Bazaar were frequented by traders, artisans, craftsmen and shopkeepers, who used them as places to network and negotiate deals.

The popularity of coffee houses also attracted the attention of the Ottoman authorities, who sometimes viewed them as potential sources of dissent and rebellion. In 1633, Sultan Murad IV banned coffee and coffee houses in Istanbul, fearing that they were spreading rumors and plots against him. He ordered his soldiers to patrol the streets and destroy any coffee pots or cups they found. He also executed anyone who was caught drinking or selling coffee. However, his ban was not very effective, as people continued to drink coffee secretly in their homes or in hidden underground cellars.

The ban was lifted in 1640 by Sultan Ibrahim I, who was himself a coffee lover. He restored the coffee houses and even built his own private one in his palace. He also appointed a royal coffee maker, who had the privilege of preparing and serving coffee to him and his guests. The royal coffee maker was also responsible for testing the quality and safety of the coffee beans, as there were cases of poisoning or adulteration by enemies or rivals.

The tradition of drinking Turkish coffee continued throughout the Ottoman era and beyond, becoming an integral part of Istanbul’s culture and identity. Today, you can still find many authentic coffee houses in Istanbul, where you can enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee and experience a slice of history. You can also visit some of the historical landmarks that are connected to the story of Turkish coffee, such as Topkapi Palace, where you can see the sultan’s private coffee house; Suleymaniye Mosque, where you can find the tomb of Suleiman the Magnificent, who was known as “the lawgiver” and “the patron of arts”; or Galata Tower, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Istanbul’s skyline.

Turkish coffee is more than just a drink; it is a symbol of hospitality, friendship and respect. It is also a way of connecting with Istanbul’s past and present