April 14th is World Coffee Day. For this special date, we’ve prepared this blog to tell you a little about how coffee came to be the world’s favorite. We’ve also put together some tips on the best places to drink coffee in celebration of this day. Take a look!
Coffee History
Originally from Ethiopia, coffee arrived in Brazil, in Belém do Pará, around 1727. Later, in the 19th century, production took place in the Paraíba do Sul Valley, between the cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
During this period, the cultivation of coffee, using slave labor, reached its peak, to the point that the entire western edge of Guanabara ended up becoming an immense coffee plantation.
For its pleasant taste and stimulating properties, coffee became worthy of major investment. By the end of the 19th century, Brazil controlled the world coffee market.
All this history has brought coffee to you and made it the second most consumed drink in the world, only behind water! You’ll find below some more curiosities and characteristics that make coffee such an iconic drink for everyone.
Curiosities
- Besides being the second most consumed beverage in the world, coffee is also one of the world’s most traded primary products, second only to oil in terms of value;
- Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world!
- Consumed in moderation, it can bring health benefits in a number of areas, such as the cardiovascular system, digestive system, mental health and has also been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of degenerative diseases.
World Coffee Day
Such a special and loved drink deserves its own day, right? With this in mind, coffee industry leaders, such as Abic (Brazilian Coffee Industry Association) and the International Coffee Organization (ICO), decided to dedicate a date to celebrate the grain.
ICO organizers say that the date was designed to “celebrate the diversity, quality and passion of the coffee sector” and “…is an opportunity for coffee lovers to share their love for the drink and support the millions of farmers whose lives depend on this aromatic product”.
That’s why some actions dedicated to this day have been created, such as the use of the hashtag #InternationalCoffeeDay, which can be shared on various social networks.
So, today we’ve put together some tips on places to celebrate this special day in the best way possible – with a nice cup of coffee!
Quitéria
We already know that coffee has the ability to warm our hearts. In addition, Quitéria’s atmosphere is also designed to give you a cozy feeling that will warm your heart even more. Perfect for celebrating World Coffee Day!
Espresso, latte, decaf; whatever your favorite type of coffee, you’ll find it on Quitéria’s menu. There are also several delicious side dishes for all tastes.
Located in the heart of Ipanema, Quitéria offers a real journey of affective flavors for you to embark on. Unique flavors of Brazilian cuisine with a modern and authorial touch that will make your day even more special.
arp bar
This tip goes out to those looking for coffee with a view! Located just a few steps from Arpoador beach, the arp bar offers dishes that suggest sharing and, above all, highlight the ingredients of small local producers. After all, that’s what coffee day is also about, right?
You’ll be delighted by the many delicious breakfast options on the menu, while enjoying the sea view.
Empório Jardim
Located in Ipanema, Jardim Botânico and Casa Firjan in Botafogo, Empório Jardim is a bakery, bistro and delivery service that serves breakfast all day long. The place is also designed to make you feel like home – or rather, in your garden!
Voted the best breakfast in Brazil by Prazeres da Mesa magazine in 2018, Empório Jardim is certainly a great choice if you want to spend World Coffee Day in a cozy atmosphere and with delicious side dishes for your cup of coffee.
Slow Bakery
For those who love a classic, traditional coffee with fresh bread or a nice slice of cake, Slow Bakery is the ideal option.
The breads are made with 100% natural and prolonged fermentation and the menu includes a selection of cheeses and many other varied and delicious items from the Slow Market.
Respect for handmade products, appreciation for the people who produce them, the choice of primary ingredients and care for partners and customers are some of the outstanding qualities of Slow Bakery and will make your World Coffee Day unforgettable!
The factory, with its café, is located in the heart of Botafogo. But you can also choose to visit the branches in Leblon and Jardim Botânico.
Café do Alto
However, if you’re looking for a fun place to celebrate World Coffee Day, we’ve got the perfect place for you. Café do Alto is a restaurant that serves traditional food from the Northeast of Brazil.
There you’ll find typical Northeastern food and music in buffets full of traditional dishes. Corn couscous, cheese curds, “bolo de rolo” and many other typical northeastern foods are served for a unique breakfast experience.
The restaurant is located in Santa Teresa and has a wide range of options on its menu, as well as offering a trip to the Brazilian northeast without leaving Rio.
Whatever you choose, we wish you a happy World Coffee Day!
