Italy aims to secure UNESCO heritage status for espresso coffee, citing that it is much more than a hot beverage.
If espresso is afforded UNESCO heritage status, then it would be signified as something of outstanding universal value, according to Britannica.
After its inception in Turin at the turn of the 19th century, espresso became an integral part of the national identity and deeply embedded in the social sphere.
Italy’s agriculture undersecretary – Gian Marco Centinaio – commented that espresso is ‘an authentic ritual and an expression of our sociality that distinguishes us around the world.’
Centinaio further stated that this was a way to celebrate Italy’s social interaction which was interrupted by Covid-19 restrictions, according to The Guardian.
Previous attempts to afford the Italian espresso UNESCO heritage status have been made but were never officially finalised for reasons unclear. However, Centinaio asserted that he was confident that it would be approved this time.
Picture: Pexels
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