The coffee habit: Why do we love it so much?
The story of why we love coffee, through history, tradition and science.
The Food Chain · BBC World Service
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (open.live.bbc.co.uk) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
For millions of us around the world, the day hasn't begun until we've had our first cup of coffee.
Ruth Alexander traces our love affair with coffee back through history, to the wilds of Ethiopia where it was first discovered. She experiences some of the ancient traditions built around coffee which still endure today and asks why this bitter drink has always had such a hold over us.
And does it matter if we enjoy a coffee or three every day? Ruth finds out what's it doing to our brains and bodies, and whether we really need to worry about kicking this ancient habit.
Produced by Lexy O'Connor
If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected]
Image: Three roasted coffee beans float on a light green background. Credit: Getty/Jose A. Bernat Bacete