Make An Extraordinary Cup Of Coffee

By Peter Richmond

Ever wonder why the French are known to be so particular about their coffee? Why the Italians spend hours "singing" while sipping on their precious miniature espressos, or why the Turks and Arabs leave the fortune telling to the muddy waters found at the bottom of their cups?

That's because there is actually history behind this cultural phenomenon. And if more Americans knew about it, we would also cherish and appreciate this beverage to the last drop. You see, the evolution of coffee encouraged cultural interaction through trade, and eventually influenced the political landscape of many nations. It even went so far as starting disputes between countries set on the pursuit of wealth and power thanks to this sacred bean.

To a true coffee aficionado, a cup of coffee isn't simply hot water mixed with an instant brew. To drink a cup of coffee is to ingest a part of history and some of the sacrifices made in order to have the honor of enjoying the "devil's fruit."

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