Coffee Break with Judy's Java Joint – Traveling
By Lois Thompson
More and more people are starting to travel again – some to faraway places. If any of those travelers are coffee drinkers, they may be interested in exploring some of the following destinations:
Brazil is the world's largest producer, supplying about one-third of the world's coffee. Plantations are located mainly in the southeast, where the environment and climate are ideal for growing the plant. Coffee lovers flock to Sao Paolo – considered to be Brazil's premium city for coffee – for new and exciting flavors and styles.
Colombia needs no introduction to coffee lovers. Visitors shouldn't miss Eje Cafetero, the lush region known as the "coffee zone of Colombia." It's home to numerous farms that produce the delicious coffee loved by people all over the world.
Coffee is native to Ethiopia and the first recorded evidence of coffee growing there may date back to the 6th century. It is a leading exporter and, understandably, has a lively coffee culture. Most coffee strains come from Ethiopia, and some varieties have spices and sweeteners, producing a distinct flavor.
Japan has a surprisingly vibrant coffee culture, partly because it can offer so many different flavors and roasts. It places third on the list of countries that import coffee, and the Japanese take pride in the different ways they make their beverage.
Austria – particularly Vienna – is practically synonymous with coffee, and is one of the world’s most traditional coffee destinations. Vienna has a park dedicated to the founder of its first coffee house, Johannes Diodado, and also hosts the annual Vienna Coffee Festival.
Like Austria, Turkey is unquestionably one of the most traditional countries for coffee, and has been enjoying the beverage since the 16th century. However, Turkish coffee is prepared quite differently. The bean must be dark roasted and finely ground, and the powder is mixed with water until it boils in a kettle. Because Turkish coffee is unfiltered, coffee grounds remain at the bottom of the cup, so you should stop drinking before you reach the bottom!
However, if your travels don't take you overseas, you can head to the Northwest. Seattle is considered to be one of the world's top coffee roasting centers and is the birthplace of Starbucks, the world's largest and most famous coffee shop chain.
Happy travels and happy sipping!
Judy's Java Joint is a family-owned local coffee shop located in the Ruthfred Shopping Center, 3400 South Park Rd., Bethel Park. Enjoy our cozy shop to do work (free wi-fi), meet with friends or just relax with a great cup of coffee. We have everything you might be craving: gourmet coffee and tea, espresso drinks, smoothies, frappes, hot chocolate, chai tea, protein frappes, pastries and more!
Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; 412-833-5282; judysjava.com