The drink quickly became an integral part of the national identity after its creation in Turin in the 19th century; The espresso market is worth more than $4 billion a year
Italy is to ask the United Nation’s cultural organization UNESCO to declare the espresso a piece of the country’s national heritage, calling the morning and after dinner pick-me-up “much more than a simple drink”, the Guardian reports.
It follows the art of the Neapolitan pizza-maker being added to the UN agency’s list of the world’s intangible heritage in 2017 as Italy aims to secure the worldwide status for another of its successful symbols.
“It is an authentic ritual and an expression of our sociality that distinguishes us around the world,” said Gian Marco Centinaio, the agriculture undersecretary, confirming that the application had been submitted.
Espresso quickly became an integral part of the national identity after its creation in Turin at the end of the 19th century. Drinking espresso creates an occasion for an encounter, to discuss politics and football, to complain, to make peace or to pay a debt, or simply an excuse to talk on this and that.
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