By Ally Brokaw
One of the biggest takeaways from my time in Italy is the idea that less is more.
While coffee is seen as an important part of the day, it follows the same rule. Coffee is seen as a treasure, such a small part of the day that makes a bigger impact than I thought.
Coffee first made its way to Italy through trade in Venice in the 16th century, and from there it has continued to grow in success and popularity. (Rossi) Italy is known for its coffee and its impact on the rest of the world. Caffè Greco is located in the center of Rome near the Spanish steps. Nicola della Maddalena founded it in 1760 and is one of the oldest treasures in Italy. (Wanted) We went to this iconic cafe, as it is a landmark in Rome. It was the first cafe located in Rome to open, and one of the first throughout the whole country. This cafe’s success helped pave the way for every other cafe located in Rome and around the country.
Rome inevitably changed because of this cafe, and it is still a busy and popular location for tourists and residents. When we went, I ordered a cappuccino and stood at the bar and enjoyed it with friends. I’m glad I got to experience a cup of coffee in the same place others have been doing so for centuries. Now you can find a local cafe on almost every street corner; a place where you can pop in and enjoy a quick drink. Each cafe is unique to the owners or area, yet most serve the same delicious options.
Coffee is ordered differently throughout the day, based on the time. Many drinks here are smaller cups with a focus on the freshly brewed espresso with or without the addition of milk. While coffee is seen as a drink that can be enjoyed at all times, some rules are mutually agreed upon throughout Italy. A typical breakfast consists of a cup of coffee and a pastry of some sort: my go-to order was a cappuccino and cornetto. The cappuccino is considered a breakfast coffee, it is not to be ordered after noon. Coffee with large amounts of milk shouldn’t be consumed with lunch or dinner. Instead, other drinks such as macchiato or a shot of espresso would be ordered to get through the day. Sometimes after dinner or a big meal a shot of espresso would be ordered which is believed to help with digestion.
This is a very common way to end your meal as helps your body process the meal you just ate. Most coffee comes out in a matter of minutes and is very fresh. It is also affordable and something that is encouraged to have multiple times a day. While the coffee itself is unique and important, the Italian coffee culture is the other main draw. It is a way to socialize and enjoy others’ company. This is seen as an opportunity to get to know someone over a good drink. When at a cafe you will not be asked to leave, you can stay as long as you want.
Caffè sospeso or suspended coffee is a tradition that started in Naples and cultivates the importance of coffee culture. (Times) You are paying for your coffee and another one. When someone comes in who needs a coffee but might not be able to afford it they can ask if anyone has left a suspended coffee. This allows people to give back anonymously and look out for one another, ensuring everyone has access to a coffee.
"If you are going to be late, at least stop and have a coffee" - Dr. Julia
I was never a big coffee drinker before coming to Italy, and the coffee I am used to couldn’t be more different. I would get much larger coffees that were usually frozen or iced. This is something that Italians don’t do; you won’t find ice in your coffee here. You can order a drink “freddo” meaning cold, but no ice. The sizing is another thing that is very different: most of your coffees are strong and small amounts. Most small drinks in the United States would still be giant compared to the sizes here. Another difference is in America the flavors and syrups make up most of the drink. An example of this is pumpkin spice; this would never take off in Italy because they don’t believe in having all the additional ingredients that are taking away from the beauty of the coffee itself. Another big difference is that in the United States coffee is usually taken to go. In most places, I would go through a drive-thru and enjoy the coffee elsewhere. Here you are to sit and enjoy your coffee; the waiter will bring you your coffee and any food if you ordered it and you can stay there as long as you want and drink the coffee. It is more about the setting of getting coffee, enjoying your drink, and socializing.
Our apartment, which consisted of seven girls, would go to the cafe right under our apartment. Just steps away from the main entrance, we found ourselves there multiple times a week if not daily. That cafe even learned our names and would ask us where we were if we had not been in for a couple of days or a weekend. Before school every day, we would find our way downstairs to enjoy coffee and maybe a bite to eat. It was a great way to start the day with each other and prepare us for a day of classes. These mornings allowed us to socialize together among classmates and learn a little bit about the workers there. One of the things I will miss most from this trip is our group and the things we decided to do together, including the morning trip downstairs.
Coffee is seen as more authentic here not only because most of the coffee is enjoyed fresh but because the coffees here are simple, basic recipes that mostly stay the same regardless of what cafe you are in Italy. There is no need to add a whole bunch of stuff into it to make it good. Italian culture is appreciative of simple things, a simple cup of coffee in the morning can go a long way and make your day more enjoyable. Coffee is not only a tradition in Italy but a true delicacy, a love among Italians.
Going home I definitely will not have the same access to authentic coffee but hope on finding new things and enjoying it with less artificial ingredients. I hope to come back to Italy and enjoy more delicious cups of coffee.
Sources:
About the Author
Ally Brokaw is a recent graduate of Colorado State University that majored in communication studies with a minor in criminology. She is thinking of pursuing more education after this. She wants to thank her family- especially her parents for the support going on this trip. This has inspired her into looking into other cultures and traveling more outside of the United States.
Comments