Italian Coffee - Drink For All Occasions
By Anna Fiori

Many people enjoy a cup of coffee, whether it is their morning pick-me-up or an after dinner beverage. And Italian coffee is an essential part of the Italian lifestyle and meal plan. It could be the marketing campaigns, but when many people picture Italy, they picture a finely dressed couple sipping coffee on a terrace.

And while the marketing may be a bit of an exaggeration, it does have some basis in reality. Take a walk down the streets of Milan, Rome, or other major Italian city and you are sure to see many people drinking Italian coffees while reading their paper or heading off to work.

Not An Italian Native

While certain Italian coffees may have earned international recognition, it is important to note that the coffee beans themselves do not come from Italy. The coffee that is so widely popular comes from beans grown elsewhere in the world. In order for coffee beans to thrive, they need a warm, humid climate that cannot be found along the Italian shores. Therefore the producers of Italian coffees are required to get their beans from along the equator, from places in Africa, the Americas, and Asia.

While Guatemala and Colombia are some of the more well known coffee producers, they do not do the bulk that Brazil does. Brazil produces the most of the Arabica beans that are produced in the region. The robusta beans come from the Asian producers, most commonly from India and Vietnam.

The Roasting Process

The Italian coffee that the world knows

comes from the skillful roasting and blending that is done at the numerous coffee outlets throughout Italy. The raw beans are shipped in, and the roasted and blended according to the taste. From there the ground beans are left to the skills of the barista, who must control his coffee machine properly in order to get the superior coffee product that most consumers expect.

Coffee Machines

Many enthusiasts of Italian coffee will choose to brew their own at home. However, it takes a serious coffee drinker to afford the fancy equipment that is commonly seen in coffee bars. Even if you have the money and the space to own a commercial machine, it takes years of skill to learn how to operate it properly to get a perfect cup. So if you are not planning on becoming a professional coffee barista, you ought to be able to get a decent cup of Italian coffee using a high quality machine designed for home use. Most of these are relatively easy to use and will allow you to get the most out of your beans without a lot of skill required.

Buying Beans

Of course if you are planning on brewing Italian coffee at home and do not live in Italy, finding the proper coffee beans can be a bit of a challenge. However, thanks to the internet, you can now order beans from around the world. For the best results, order in small quantities. Keep the coffee stored in airtight container in a cool part of the kitchen. This will help to guarantee a fresh cup every time that you brew it.