Let's Celebrate National Coffee Day!
For all you coffee fans, your day is coming! National Coffee Day is Tuesday, September 29th. Here are a few ways to celebrate other than just your average cup of coffee (not that there's anything wrong with that!)
What is National Coffee Day?
National Coffee Day is the day for coffee lovers of all kinds to come together and appreciate that delicious, dark, energy-giving brew. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy your coffee--and there really is no right or wrong way to do so--you can use this opportunity to celebrate your favorite way. Or learn another way to prepare or enjoy it!
Really? National Coffee Day?
Yes, National Coffee Day! Many countries choose to celebrate coffee with most days falling somewhere between September 28 and October 1. The earliest mention of a coffee day in the United States was back in 2005--which would make 2020 the unofficial 15th anniversary of National Coffee Day! Though we don't have very much information about the reason behind National Coffee Day, we are happy to have one to celebrate!
National Coffee Day vs. International Coffee Day
International Coffee Day is celebrated on October 1. It was started by the International Coffee Organization in 2015 and was launched in Milan, Italy. The purpose of International Coffee Day, as well as National Coffee Day, was to call attention to all things coffee. In particular, the International Coffee Organization wanted to bring attention to the farmers who grow those tasty coffee cherries while also recognizing roasters, coffee shop and cafe owners, and baristas. They also wanted to take the opportunity to promote fair-trade coffee.
Earlier Coffee Days
Even earlier than the US National Coffee Day and the International Coffee Organization's International Coffee Day, The All Japan Coffee Association promoted a Coffee Day in 1983. In 1997, China celebrated their first coffee day and made it into an annual event beginning in 2001.
Other Notable Coffee Days
Other countries started their own nation-wide coffee celebrations after the US and before the International Coffee Day was begun. Notably Nepal in 2005, Indonesia in 2006, and Taiwan in 2009. In addition, the Southern Food and Beverage Museum first used the term "International Coffee Day" in 2009 when they also announced a coffee festival in New Orleans.
Ways to Celebrate
While many businesses are choosing to celebrate National Coffee Day with discounts and freebies, including CoffeeAM, there are ways you can also celebrate on your own. Here are a few:
- Purchase a bag of certified fair-trade coffee
- Purchase your favorite single-origin, blend, or flavored coffee
- Learn more about how coffee is grown and processed
- Support your local coffee shop, cafe, and/or coffee roaster
- Try roasting your own coffee beans at home
- Try a new way of brewing or preparing your coffee
How are you planning on celebrating National Coffee Day this year? Have you got a drink all planned out or just your typical brew? Whatever you decide, share with us on our Facebook page!