Coffee
Clarissa Schwab
Mom: coffee looks mucky and smells strong, why are you always drinking it?
A coffee in the morning, after a meal, or with friends—coffee has become a global staple since its origins in 16th-century Yemen. Introduced to Europe in the early 1600s, it was initially enjoyed in specialized coffee houses.
Coffee is valued for its ability to suppress appetite, aid digestion, and provide a wakeful boost. Preferences for brew strength, temperature, and additions like milk or sugar vary across cultures, but coffee is universally seen as a hallmark of a quality lifestyle. Scandinavian countries lead in per-capita consumption, perhaps due to their long, dark winters.
Notably, microbes play a crucial role in coffee production, contributing to its beloved flavor and aroma.