Italy is often called the land of coffee. While it does not produce coffee beans, it became the very heart of coffee culture with the invention of espresso—a method that extracts a bean’s deepest aroma in mere seconds.
Italians love coffee so much that three cups a day is considered the norm. For them, coffee is not just a beverage but an essential part of daily life. Even in difficult times, skipping coffee is unthinkable. Italy also has a heartwarming tradition that allows anyone to enjoy a cup, regardless of their financial situation: caffè sospeso , or “suspended coffee.” Here is how it works: someone pays in advance for an extra cup, which a stranger in need can later claim. In cafés, it is common to see people ordering two cups but paying for three, alongside those enjoying a cup thanks to an anonymous benefactor.
Caffè sospeso offers not only the joy of savoring one’s favorite coffee but also the deeper happiness of sharing it with others. This simple act of generosity, poured into a small cup, reflects both Italy’s love of coffee and the strong sense of community among its people. A single cup may seem modest, yet when shared, its impact is anything but small.
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