our coffee culture

One of my fellow 9rulers recently posted about feeling like a second-class citizen because he didn't drink coffee. He described the familiar, dumbfounded looks that people get when you inform them that you are not a coffee drinker.  This is inevitably followed by an effort to convert a non-coffee drinker via back-door treats like coffee ice cream, iced coffee, or various frothy, chocolately, sweet, or otherwise doctored-up coffee drinks.  One of the commenters hit the nail on the head: "Because coffee is addictive, I think most coffee drinkers feel a little controlled by the beverage. They feel a need to have it, and miss it when they don’t have it…and get mad when it’s not good."

I can speak to both sides of the fence here, because I didn't become a regular coffee drinker until about a year ago.  I was a tea drinker.  Not any tea, but high-quality single-estate teas from far corners of the world.  Imagine how tough I had it -- when I went out, I couldn't order coffee or tea, because tea bags or prissy herbal concoctions were appalling to me. Even more bizarre, I never drink carbonated beverages. Except by accident, I have never swallowed a single mouthful of Coke, Pepsi, ginger ale, beer, or any other fizzy drink.  Until I drank coffee, I was a freak.

I became interested in coffee, in an academic way, when it became an issue in bird conservation (check out the Coffee and Conservation blog for all you need to know about why it is important to be a conscientious consumer of coffee if you care about the environment).  Once I actually tasted a really good cup of coffee -- quality beans, freshly roasted and ground, and freshly brewed at the correct temperature, I understood why people liked it so much.  All my life, I had tasted cheap, crappy coffee!  And yes, the thing that really made me an addict was the effect of the caffeine.  Not so much the alertness, but the fact it helped me focus and concentrate on a large project I was working on.

Now I find myself encouraging people to try good, socially/environmentally responsible coffee. I don't think I try to convert non-coffee drinkers as much as I try to convince current coffee drinkers that what they buy and drink can make a big difference in the global environment. 

Because it's not always easy to find "a right cup" at a restaurant or cafe, I usually still don't drink coffee when I'm out.  Sigh.  Still a freak.

Comments

[Dave]

We get our coffee at http://www.hondurascoffeecompany.com/. Who would ever think up here in the mountains of SW Virginia we could get, environmently friendly, shade grown, fresh roasted coffee. Their site has some neat links. Had to refer your site to our sister and brother-in-law who are birders and he is from Cuba.

[Clare]

Ever try Mate? Started drinking it after Argentina. Kind of like smokey green tea, but definately higher test than coffee.

[Dave]

It's so nice to be able to find a good cup of coffee when you go out.

[Gwyn]

Coffee drinker since my sophomore year in college, but I am totally with you on both the shade grown issues AND the need to enjoy really good coffee. It is like the difference between a vine ripened tomato from one's garder and those pink cardboard things available in the produce aisle in January!
We now have someone roasting locally. Ah!

[James]

I have found your site very interesting. Please give the updates.

Cheers,
James
---------------------------
http://www.coffeebreakusa.com/

[Lisa]

you are a fun writer.

i was just talking with my boss about not drinking coffee and then here i find your blog post about this very thing. and then i read about your starbuck challenge with the funny french press story.

if you ever have a moment take a look at this site that collects thoughts and images to reflect Canadians- your voice would be appreciated on there i think.
http://canadacode.vancouver2010.com/text/scurry

anyways thanks for my wonderful distraction during working hours!