Coffee is popular around the world. But where did it come from? The history of coffee is a fascinating journey, from its early beginnings in Ethiopia to its global rise. Let's dive into its origins and explore how it became the beloved beverage it is today.
Coffee's origin story begins in Ethiopia with a goat herder named Kaldi. He noticed his goats becoming lively after eating red berries from a tree, which led him to try them. This discovery eventually reached local monks, who brewed the berries, creating the first version of coffee.
In the 15th century, coffee traveled to Yemen, where it was cultivated for the first time. Yemeni monks used coffee to stay awake during long prayers, and the port of Mocha became a major center for coffee trade, giving the drink international exposure.
By the 17th century, coffee had reached Europe through Venice, initially met with skepticism but quickly becoming popular. Coffee houses spread throughout Europe, becoming intellectual and social hubs where people gathered to discuss ideas and enjoy the drink.
In 1714, a coffee plant was gifted to King Louis XIV of France and later transported to Martinique by naval officer Gabriel de Clieu. Despite challenges during the journey, the plant thrived, and within 50 years, over 18 million coffee trees were flourishing on the island. From there, coffee spread across the Caribbean and Latin America, including Brazil, which would go on to become one of the largest coffee producers in the world.
Coffee plantations expanded around the world, making the beverage one of the most traded commodities. By the 18th century, coffee had become a global commodity, traded on international markets and enjoyed by millions. Today, coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, after crude oil.
Source:
“The History of Coffee" by the National Coffee Association (NCA)
“History of Coffee” by Melitta
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