Why is Italy always associated with coffee?
☕ The early introduction of coffee in the 17th century
Coffee was first introduced to Italy in the 17th century, initially through Venice's commercial channels.
At that time, coffee was usually made using traditional methods such as boiling coffee powder or ground coffee beans, rather than modern coffee machines. During this period, coffee became a popular beverage, gradually spreading to other cities in Italy and playing a significant role in the formation of Italian coffee culture.
☕ The opening of the first coffee shop
With the rise in popularity of coffee, the first coffee shop in Venice, Caffè Florian, opened in the early 17th century. Founded in 1720, this historic café has a history of over 300 years. Caffè Florian is famous for its magnificent interior decoration and as a gathering place for cultural celebrities, having been visited by many artists and cultural figures including Oscar Monet, Andy Warhol, Charlie Chaplin, and Ernest Hemingway.
Many Italian cafés have a long history and cultural value. They often host literary, musical, and artistic events, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals, which strengthens the connection between coffee and Italy.
☕ The emergence of Italian coffee machines
In the early 20th century, Italian engineer Luigi Bezzera invented the first commercial coffee machine. This invention revolutionized coffee-making by using pressure to produce espresso, creating a richer, more intense coffee that laid the foundation for Italian espresso.
Famous modern Italian coffee machine brands such as La Marzocco, Faema, and Rancilio provide high-quality coffee machines to coffee lovers worldwide, further strengthening the bond between coffee and Italy.
☕ The Italian way of life
As Italian coffee machines gradually became popular, they not only became essential equipment in Italian cafés but also integrated into Italians' daily lives. With the popularity of Italian coffee machines, almost every Italian family may have one. In the morning, when people wake up, the first thing they usually do is make a cup of espresso, which has become an important ritual to start their day.
In cafés, people often stand at the counter, order a cup of espresso, savor it quickly, and then move on. This is known as "caffè al banco" (coffee at the counter). Whether in cafés or at home, people often gather to enjoy rich coffee, exchange topics, and share time together.
If you have a strong interest in Italian coffee culture, since 2022, Tasse Coffee has been the only institution in Hong Kong offering the Italian Barista Certificate course (formerly known as "Italian Barista Method"), a globally recognized professional coffee training program.
The course focuses on meeting the actual needs of baristas or coffee roasters and teaches all learning topics through practical training operations, including barista skills, latte art, brewing, and roasting. It is highly beneficial for those starting a coffee shop business or switching careers. The advanced course further provides practical content for those aiming to become store managers or entrepreneurs. Exam results can also be compared with students worldwide, keeping up with the trend of globalization.
