Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and it is estimated that 3 million cups are consumed every day. These beverages are consumed by millions of people in every corner of the planet. Have you ever wondered how its history has been so successful that it continues to this day?
The origins of coffee are a mystery. According to an Ethiopian legend, coffee was discovered in the 9th century by a shepherd named Kaldi.
From the highlands of Ethiopia, coffee quickly spread throughout the Middle East. In the 15th century, the first coffee houses opened in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Coffee houses soon became meeting places for intellectuals, merchants, and politicians.
The Ancient Beginning: The First Discoveries of Coffee
Ethiopia: The Cradle of Coffee
The ancient Ethiopian legends about coffee are numerous and fascinating, just like the fascinating act of drinking it that millions of people do every day. One of these legends tells that Kaldi, a shepherd, noticed that after his goats ate the berries of a certain tree, they became livelier and more awake. Kaldi told his discovery to the monks of the local monastery, who began to use the coffee beans to prepare a drink that helped them stay awake during long night watches.
We would also like to tell you another legend, told by a Sufi monk named Omar al-Shadhili, who suddenly felt tired while meditating. He got up and went to gather some coffee berries from a nearby tree. After eating them, he immediately felt more energetic and focused.
Regardless of the true story of coffee's discovery, it is certain that this beverage had a profound impact on Ethiopia's culture and society. Coffee has become a symbol of hospitality and sharing and is still an important part of the daily lives of Ethiopians today.
Spread in the Middle East
From the Middle East, coffee quickly spread throughout the Middle East. In the 15th century, the first coffee houses opened in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Coffee houses soon became meeting places for intellectuals, merchants, and politicians.
The first coffee traders were Arabs. They spread the drink throughout the Mediterranean and Europe. In the 16th century, coffee houses also began to appear in Italy, France, and Spain.
Global Expansion: Coffee Conquers the World
Arrival in Europe
The arrival of coffee in Europe was initially met with some skepticism. Coffee was considered an exotic and dangerous drink, and there were even governments that banned its consumption.
Nevertheless, coffee began to gain popularity among European intellectuals and artists. In the 17th century, coffee houses began to spread throughout Europe and became meeting places for intellectuals, writers, and artists.
In Europe, the first establishment for coffee consumption was opened in Venice in 1629.
Colonization and Trade
The coffee trade was an important factor in European colonization. European settlers brought coffee to their colonies in America, Africa, and Asia.
Coffee became one of the most important crops in these colonies, and its trade contributed to global economic growth.
Innovation and Evolution: The Modernization of Coffee
Industrial Revolution and Technologies
The Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on the coffee industry. New technologies such as industrial roasting and the invention of the coffee machine made coffee more accessible and popular.
In the 20th century, coffee became a mass beverage consumed by people from all walks of life.
Contemporary Trends
In recent decades, the coffee industry has seen a number of innovations. Specialty coffee houses, offering high-quality coffee made with artisanal methods, are becoming increasingly popular.
Home coffee machines have also become more sophisticated. Have you ever heard of the novelty of recent years, for example, pressure-brewed coffee?
To discover the latest surprising news about coffee, from production to consumption, please follow our journey through the history and world of coffee.
