Barley Coffee – A Grain Of Ancient Origins And Everlasting Legacy
Contents:
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The Origins Of Barley Coffee
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Coffee As An Italian Morning Ritual
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Fascism And Barley Coffee
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Barley Coffee – The Global Coffee
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The Barley Coffee Legacy
The Origins Of Barley Coffee
The origins of barley are multi-millennial. We know that barley was grown and used in many ancient civilisations, and it was even a sign of feast times in the bible. But the use of barley as an uplifting, energy filled morning drink, the likes of chicory coffee, took a big leap forward during the first and second world wars. Let's dive into the history of barley coffee to learn how this came about.
Coffee As An Italian Morning Ritual
In Italy, at the time of the first world war, coffee was becoming a rarity and though it started off in the daily rations of a soldier, it soon started to become scarce and diminish in importance, so it was substituted for barley, chicory, malt, and fig coffee. In 1917 the American aid brought with it goods such as coffee and tobacco. This caused an introduction of coffee as a morning ritual among soldiers who used it to stay more awake and reactive. This morning ritual was subsequently brought home by the soldiers post war who expanded the nation’s coffee drinking habits.
Fascism and Barley Coffee
Let’s jump to fascist era and the second world war, where imported goods including coffee were scarce and costly due to heavy sanctions placed upon their import in Italy. This expanded the market for coffee substitution and even abolition in certain areas by the government. This greatly increased the demand for good coffee substitutes. It was at this time that barley coffee really took off. Its great diffusion in Italy was mainly because of its great taste, aroma and ease of production within the nation’s borders.
Barley Coffee – The Global Coffee
To grow barley there is no need for a special tropical climate and high elevation which is only accessible in very limited parts of the world. Barley grows extremely well in a diverse set of climates. It is so versatile that Australia is the second world producer of barley, right after… You wouldn’t have guessed it: Russia! Imagine that, a kind of aroma-full coffee-like drink that can be grown all over the world!
The Barley Coffee Legacy
Barley coffee is one of the few coffee substitutes that has withstood the test of time. Despite its lack of addictiveness (i.e. lack of caffeine) Barley coffee is still loved in Italy and around the world by those who are either sensitive to caffeine or simply aware of its health detriment. Stay tuned for more facts about this amazing drink in our upcoming posts!
By Gabriele Motta
10/12/2024