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National Gourmet Coffee Day (January 18)

Check out the weird holiday National Gourmet Coffee Day on Jan 18. Learn the history of yourmet coffee and as get ideas on how to celebrate.

One weird holiday on January 18 is National Gourmet Coffee Day. Check out the other weird January holidays!

History of National Gourmet Coffee Day

Coffee has a very long history – it was first recognized in the 9th century by a farmer who noted the difference in his goats when they ate the plants.

There are hundreds of varieties of coffee beans, and when you combine that with the dozens of different brewing methods, there are literally thousands of different ways to make coffee.

The traditional use of coffee consumption began in the 1500s in monestaries in Yemen. From there, it spread to Mecca, Medina, the MIddle East, Southern India, Turkey, Persia, and North Africa. From there, it went to the Balkans, Southeast Asia, and Europe (especially Italy).

In the 16th century, the word “coffee” began to be introduced into the English language. It moved into United States around the 1700s, when early cowboys brewed coffee over fires to keep warm. The first coffee plantation was establish in Brazil in 1727.

In 1955, Alfred Peet – the sone of an Amsterdam coffee trader – moved to Berkley, California. He brough his love of gourmet coffee with him and eventually founded Peet’s, the first gourmet coffee shop.

Fifteen years later in 1971, Starbucks opened its first store at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington. They sold coffee, tea, and spices around the world.

Most gourmet coffee is made with 100% Arabica beans, which provide smooth, powerful, and aromatic brews. The plants require a cool subtropical climate at a higher altitude in order to thrive.

Ideas for National Gourmet Coffee Day

Here are some ideas for today’s weird holiday!

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