COFFEE - Commodities

Origins and Legends: One tale traces its discovery to an Ethiopian goatherd named Kaldi, who noticed his goats becoming lively after eating coffee berries. This serendipitous observation led to the birth of coffee's popularity, spreading from the Ethiopian highlands to the rest of the world. 

Global Coffee Consumption: Coffee is not just a beverage; it's a global cultural icon. With over 2.25 billion cups consumed daily, it's the world's most popular drink after water. The coffee industry employs millions of people and contributes significantly to the economies of coffee-producing nations.

Coffee as a Commodity: Coffee is a major commodity in international trade, second only to oil. The "Coffee C" futures contract is traded on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), allowing investors to speculate on coffee prices without dealing with physical delivery.

Scientific Composition: Coffee is a complex concoction containing over 1,000 chemical compounds. It owes its stimulating effects mainly to caffeine, a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system, boosting alertness and focus.

Coffee and Chemistry: Roasting coffee beans is a precise art. The Maillard reaction, which occurs during roasting, is responsible for the delightful aroma and flavour of coffee. It's a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars, producing aromatic compounds that define coffee's taste.

Coffee Plant Varieties: There are two primary coffee plant varieties: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica, with its mild flavour and complex aromas, accounts for about 60-70% of global coffee production, while Robusta, known for its higher caffeine content and robust flavour, makes up the rest.

Coffee and Physics: The process of extracting coffee's goodness is governed by the principles of physics. Espresso machines use high pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee, creating the rich and concentrated coffee shots loved by many.

Health Benefits: Moderate coffee consumption has been associated with various health benefits. Coffee contains antioxidants that can combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

Decaffeination Methods: Decaffeinated coffee, popular among those sensitive to caffeine, is produced using different methods, such as the Swiss Water Process, carbon dioxide method, and solvent-based processes. Each method removes caffeine while preserving flavour.

Coffee in History: Coffeehouses, known as "penny universities" in 17th-century England, became intellectual hubs where ideas flowed freely over a cup of coffee. These establishments played a significant role in the Enlightenment and the exchange of ideas during that era.