TRADITION
COFFEE: NOT JUST A DRINK, BUT A WAY OF LIFE The aromatic beverage is by far, the most favoured habit in both Croatian and Italian culture, going back for centuries
C
offee in Italy is more than just a drink, it is a way of life. Introduced in the 1500’s, coffee has played a crucial part in the Italian culture as it is fundamental for its inhabitants. There is no better feeling than enjoying the perfect sips of coffee under the Italian sky. The nation has cultivated its passion with the creation of it’s various types. Coffee was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. But it wasn't until the invention of a steam-driven, coffee-making machine in the late 19th century that Italy gave the world the “espresso”- very aromatic and intense, drank at all times; the cappuccino instead, is drank at breakfast and is prepared with milk, taking its name from the colour of the Capuchin friars' clothes. In addition, there is the macchiato, the caffe-latte, the long coffee, the shaken coffee and many more, every coffee can be cold, hot, or strong, according to the taste.
34
Focus
ITALY 2018
When it comes to the rituality of drinking this fragrant beverage, Croatia and Italy hold numerous similarities and differences. In accordance, both nations count coffee as a lifestyle, paying close attention to the way it is drank.The differences include the various types of coffee Italians have, compared to Croatia’s one and only, Turkish coffee. It is made with ground Arabica beans, without filter, which are placed into boiling water, after yet another process of boiling, the coffee is ready for tasting. It is
THERE IS NO BETTER FEELING THAN ENJOYING THE PERFECT SIPS OF COFFEE UNDER THE ITALIAN SKY
an indispensable drink and, as in Italy, it is served after lunch or for breakfast. When you think Italy can’t get any further in showing it’s affection for the beverage, wait until you hear this: The nation is proud to have its own University of Coffee, based in Trieste! It is owned by the Illy Coffee Industry, and holds courses for baristas, coffee producers, and coffee bar managers. It is counted as a centre of excellence, created to promote the culture of high quality coffee through education and training. An Italian person might find the preparation of coffee in Croatia very peculiar and long-lasting, (since it takes at least 10 minutes,) and for Italians this may be a bit too much, especially when the espresso is done within a few moments! However, we are glad to say that just as important coffee is for us, it is crucial for the Italians as well, making the two of us the coffee-holics of Europe!
