Tag: coffee

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Easter coffee

Drinking coffee during Easter is not a religious tradition or requirement, but it may be a cultural or personal preference. However, in some countries and cultures, there are specific Easter-related coffee drinks or traditions.

easter egg in coffee cup
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/easter-egg-red-background-easter-3165438/

For example, in Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Finland, and Norway, it’s common to drink a special Easter coffee called påskkaffe, which is often served with a sweet bun or pastry. In some parts of Germany, it’s traditional to serve an Easter coffee cake called Osterzopf during the holiday.

Påskkaffe, which translates to “Easter coffee” in English, is a special coffee blend that is popular in Scandinavian countries during the Easter holiday. The coffee beans used in påskkaffe are often flavored with spices like cinnamon or cardamom, which gives the coffee a unique and festive taste.

In addition to the flavored beans, the coffee is often served with a sweet pastry, such as a “semla” or a “påskmust,” which is a type of Easter soda. This combination of coffee and pastry is a popular Easter tradition in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries.

Påskkaffe is also often served with whipped cream, which adds to the festive nature of the drink. Overall, the combination of the flavored coffee beans, sweet pastry, and whipped cream make påskkaffe a special and beloved Easter tradition in Scandinavia.

In other cultures, coffee may be simply enjoyed as a comforting and energizing beverage during the busy holiday season. Additionally, some people may drink coffee as part of their morning routine, regardless of the occasion or holiday.

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Coffee in books

Previously I wrote about coffee in movies. But coffee is a popular beverage that is often mentioned also in books. It can serve many different purposes in literature, from adding realism to a scene to symbolizing something deeper.

Book and coffee picture
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/coffee-cappuccino-caf%C3%A9-closeup-2151200/

Here are a few examples of how coffee is used in books:

  1. “The Coffee Trader” by David Liss: This historical novel is set in 17th-century Amsterdam and follows the story of a Jewish coffee trader named Miguel Lienzo. Coffee plays a central role in the book. It was a relatively new commodity in Europe at the time and was highly prized.
  2. “The Coffeehouse Mysteries” by Cleo Coyle: This cozy mystery series is set in a New York City coffeehouse. It features amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, who solves crimes while running the coffeehouse. Coffee is a major part of the series, with each book featuring a different coffee-themed recipe.
  3. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: In this classic novel, coffee is used as a symbol of the differences between the old money elite and the nouveau riche. The old money crowd drinks tea, while the nouveau riche drink coffee. It was seen as a more vulgar and common beverage at the time.
  4. “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera: In this philosophical novel, coffee is used as a metaphor for the transience of life. The characters are often depicted drinking coffee, which represents the fleeting moments of happiness and pleasure that they experience.
  5. “The Coffee House” by Joel Gersmann: This novel follows the story of a group of friends who gather regularly at a coffeehouse in New York City. Coffee is a constant presence throughout the book. It is serving as a symbol of the warmth and comfort that the friends find in each other’s company.
  6. “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle” by Haruki Murakami: In this surreal novel, the protagonist spends much of his time drinking coffee while contemplating his life and the strange events that are unfolding around him.
  7. “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera: Coffee serves as a recurring motif in this philosophical novel, symbolizing the fleeting nature of pleasure and the transience of life.
  8. “Coffee Will Make You Black” by April Sinclair: This coming-of-age novel is set in the 1960s and follows a young black girl as she grows up in Chicago. Coffee is a recurring motif throughout the book. It is symbolizing both the protagonist’s growing independence and her increasing awareness of the racial inequalities around her.
  9. “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway: The characters in this classic novel are often seen drinking coffee, especially during the mornings after their wild nights in Paris.
  10. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams: In this comedic science fiction novel, the characters rely on a substance called “Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster,” which contains coffee and is said to be the “best drink in existence.”

These are just a few examples of books where drinking coffee is important. In many cases, coffee serves as a symbol of comfort, routine, and community. In others it is a key part of the setting or plot. You may also be interested about article about coffee in movies.

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10 myths about coffee

Today it’s time to take a look on common myths about coffee. Let’s take a look what AI has to say about coffee myths:

  1. Coffee is dehydrating: This is a common myth about coffee. While coffee does have a diuretic effect. It means it can cause you to urinate more, it does not lead to dehydration. In fact, the amount of water in a cup of coffee can help contribute to your daily hydration needs.
  2. Coffee stunts growth: This myth likely comes from the idea that caffeine can interfere with calcium absorption, which is important for bone growth. However, studies have not found a direct link between coffee consumption and stunted growth.
  3. Coffee causes heart disease: While excessive caffeine consumption can increase heart rate and blood pressure, studies have found that moderate coffee consumption does not increase the risk of heart disease.
  4. Coffee is addictive: While caffeine is a stimulant and can lead to dependence. But it is not considered an addictive substance like drugs or alcohol.
  5. Coffee leads to insomnia: While drinking coffee too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep, moderate coffee consumption earlier in the day is not likely to cause insomnia.
  6. Dark roast coffee has more caffeine than light roast: The roasting process actually breaks down caffeine, meaning that dark roast coffee can have less caffeine than light roast.
  7. Coffee causes cancer: While some studies have found a potential link between coffee consumption and certain types of cancer. The evidence is not strong enough to suggest that coffee causes cancer.
  8. Coffee is bad for your teeth: While coffee can stain your teeth, it does not necessarily harm them. In fact, coffee contains polyphenols which can have anti-bacterial properties that could potentially be beneficial for oral health.
  9. Coffee is only effective as a morning pick-me-up: While many people drink coffee in the morning to help them wake up. Caffeine can provide a boost of energy throughout the day.
  10. Coffee is only enjoyed by adults: While children should avoid excessive caffeine consumption, coffee can be enjoyed in moderation by people of all ages.