The History of Coffee: From Ethiopia to the World

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with millions of people drinking it every day. But do you know how this drink originated and spread across the globe? In this article, you will learn about the history of coffee from its ancient roots in Ethiopia to its modern popularity and diversity.

The Ethiopian Origins of Coffee

The origin of coffee is a mystery, but the most popular story involves a goat herder named Kaldi who lived in Ethiopia around the 9th century. According to this legend, Kaldi saw his goats become more energetic and playful after eating the red berries of a certain plant. He tried some of the berries himself and felt the same effects. He shared his discovery with a local monk, who brewed the berries into a drink that helped him stay awake during his prayers. And that’s how coffee was born.

However, there is no historical evidence to support this story, and the earliest credible records of coffee consumption date back to the 15th century in Yemen, where Sufi monasteries used it as a spiritual drink. It is possible that the coffee plant (Coffea arabica) was native to both Ethiopia and Yemen, or that traders or pilgrims transported it from Ethiopia to Yemen . In any case, Ethiopia is widely regarded as the birthplace of coffee and still produces some of the finest coffee beans in the world.

The Spread of Coffee in the Middle East and Europe

Coffee spread from Yemen to other parts of the Middle East, such as Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey, by the 16th century. People enjoyed coffee not only in homes, but also in public coffee houses (called qahveh khaneh in Arabic), which became popular places for socializing, entertainment, and political discussion. Coffee also caused some controversy among religious authorities, who debated whether it was halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden) according to Islamic law. Some rulers even tried to ban coffee, but they failed to suppress its popularity.

Coffee also reached Europe through trade and travel with the Ottoman Empire, which controlled much of the Middle East and North Africa. The first European coffee house opened in Venice in 1645, followed by others in major cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Berlin. Some Europeans were suspicious and resistant to coffee, who associated it with Islam or considered it a dangerous intoxicant. However, coffee gradually gained acceptance and admiration among various segments of society, especially after Pope Clement VIII declared it a Christian drink in 1600 after tasting it.

The Cultivation and Consumption of Coffee in the Americas

The cultivation of coffee in the Americas began when Gabriel de Clieu, a French naval officer, brought a coffee seedling from Paris to Martinique in 1720. He kept the plant alive during his voyage across the Atlantic despite various challenges and dangers. The plant thrived in Martinique and produced thousands of offspring, which he distributed to other Caribbean islands such as Saint-Domingue (now Haiti), Jamaica, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Coffee also reached Brazil in 1727 through a Portuguese colonel named Francisco de Melo Palheta, who smuggled some seeds from French Guiana.

The Diversity and Development of Coffee in Modern Times

The period since 1950 saw the diversification and development of coffee in various aspects. On one hand, new producers such as Vietnam (which became the second-largest producer in 1999), Indonesia (which is famous for its Kopi Luwak or civet coffee), Ethiopia (which is the home of the original Arabica variety), and India (which is known for its monsooned coffee) entered or expanded their presence in the global market. On the other hand, new consumers such as Japan, China, South Korea, and Australia increased their demand and preference for coffee, especially specialty coffee.

The specialty coffee movement, which began in the 1970s in the United States and Europe, emphasized the quality, origin, and variety of coffee beans, as well as the roasting, brewing, and serving methods. Specialty coffee also promoted ethical and environmental standards, such as fair trade, organic, shade-grown, and bird-friendly coffee. Some of the pioneers and leaders of this movement include Alfred Peet (who founded Peet’s Coffee in 1966), Howard Schultz (who transformed Starbucks into a global brand since 1987), and James Freeman (who founded Blue Bottle Coffee in 2002).

Another trend that emerged in the 21st century was the rise of cold brew coffee, which is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. Cold brew coffee has a smoother and less acidic taste than hot brewed coffee, and can be served cold or hot, with or without milk or sweeteners. Cold brew coffee also has a higher caffeine content than hot brewed coffee, making it a popular choice for energy seekers. Some of the popular brands of cold brew coffee include Stumptown, Chameleon, La Colombe, and High Brew.

Conclusion

Coffee is a fascinating and versatile drink that has a long and rich history, as well as many benefits and challenges. From its ancient origins in Ethiopia to its modern popularity and diversity around the world, coffee has been a source of stimulation, inspiration, and connection for millions of people. Whether you prefer it black or with milk and sugar, hot or cold, brewed or instant, coffee is a drink that can suit any taste and occasion. So the next time you enjoy a cup of coffee, remember to appreciate its history and facts, and share them with your friends and family.