Coffee has a fascinating history. Coffee beans have travelled around the globe for centuries. It is remarkable how this small bean has become the second largest commodity traded in the world today. If you have been wondering where coffee came from, get ready to be taken on a journey through time and across various continents as we discover the origin of coffee.
An Ethiopian Legend
According to Ethiopian legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee after noticing that his goats became very energetic after eating berries from a certain tree. After discovering this, he reported to the abbot (the head of a monastery). The abbot made a drink with those berries and discovered that the drink kept him alert throughout the evening hours of prayer. The abbot shared this news with the other monks at the monastery, and the knowledge of these energising coffee beans started to spread.
How Coffee Moved Across the Water to The Middle East
By the 15th century, coffee cultivation began in the Arabian Peninsula. Yemeni started cultivating coffee in the Arabian district, and by the 16th century, coffee was famous in Egypt, Syria, Persia and Turkey. Coffee beans first arrived at the port called Mocha in Yemeni and this became a shipping point for coffee to the world.
Coffee houses known as “schools of the wise” emerged and became places where you would share and hear information and an epicentre of social activity.
Coffee to Europe
European travellers from the east brought stories of unusual black beverages. In the wake of the 17th century, coffee was popular in Europe. The Catholic Church reacted to these beans with fear and suspicion, calling it the bitter invention of Satan. The clergy condemned coffee when it was introduced to Venice in 1615, and this controversy got the attention of Pope Clement VIII. The Pope decided to taste the beverage before condemning it, found that the drink was very satisfying and gave it papal approval. Coffee then quickly spread to major cities of England, France, Australia, Holland and Germany.
Coffee in America
In 1723 a naval officer, Gabriel de Clieu, got a seedling from the King Louis XIV of France’s plant and managed to transport it safely to Martinique. The seedling was planted and thrived so well that it is credited with spreading over 18 million coffee trees on the island of Martinique.
Coffee in Asia
Coffee was first introduced to China by a French missionary to Yunnan province in the 19th century. However, the production of coffee began in 1988 when the Chinese Government and United Nations Development Program jointly initiated a project to boost the coffee industry. With the support of larger companies like Nestlé, production soared.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – the story of the origin of coffee, from its origin in Ethiopia to where it is enjoyed all over the world today. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this popular drink and that you will visit our store to buy authentic varieties of coffee from around the globe.