Kohv

Kohv is the Estonian word for coffee, the brewed beverage made from roasted coffee beans. The term kohv is the standard name in Estonian; its etymology traces to earlier European terms such as Dutch koffie and German Kaffee, reflecting the historical exchange of coffee between Europe and the wider world.

Coffee reached Europe from the Ottoman world in the early modern period. In Estonia, as in other Baltic and Nordic regions, coffee became widely consumed from the 18th century onward, first through import and trade and later via domestic roasting and brewing. Coffeehouses emerged in towns and cities, contributing to social life and commerce.

Coffee is produced from roasted seeds of Coffea species, mainly Arabica and Robusta. The beans are roasted, ground, and brewed with hot water. Common methods include drip or filter, espresso-based drinks, French press, and traditional Turkish coffee. In everyday life, kohv is often prepared with water and a variety of milks or sweeteners.

Global production centers include Brazil and Vietnam, among others; in Estonia, coffee culture emphasizes straightforward daily consumption and cafés that offer both standard filter coffee and specialty drinks. Caffeine content depends on bean type, roast, and brewing method, with variations across preparation and serving sizes.