The History of Coffee

Coffee is one of the world’s most beloved beverages and has a rich history. The story of coffee begins in the 9th century in Ethiopia, according to the most widely accepted legend. It is said that a goat farmer named Kaldi noticed his goats frolicking and full of energy after eating the red fruit of the Coffea plant. Intrigued, Kaldi tasted the fruit himself and felt a similar surge of energy. The news of this energizing fruit quickly spread to the nearby religious house, where monks used it to stay awake during long hours of prayer, which signaled the start of coffee consumption. By the 15th century, coffee had spread to the Arabian Peninsula, where it was first produced on a large scale. The Arabs were very protective of their coffee plants and introduced strict laws against the export of fertile coffee beans. However, legend has it that a traveler named Baba Budan took seven coffee beans out of Mecca and planted them in India, which was the start of coffee production outside of Arabia.

In the 16th century, coffee houses, known as ‘qahveh khaneh’, started appearing in cities across the Near East. These shops were not just places to enjoy a cup of coffee, but also centers for social activity and communication. They were often called ‘Schools of the Wise’ for the intellectual conversations and discussions they created, acting as a motivation for the exchange of ideas. The 17th century saw the global spread of coffee, thanks to European expansion. Despite Arabian efforts to maintain their coffee ownership, the Dutch managed to obtain coffee plants in the late 17th century, which they grew in their colonies, including Java, now part of Indonesia. Similarly, the French started coffee plantations in the Caribbean, South America, and other colonies. The British brought coffee to their colonies in Africa and India. The 20th century saw the rise of coffee as a product sold on a large scale. The advent of vacuum packaging and instant coffee allowed for the widespread distribution and consumption of coffee. The late 20th century gave birth to the ‘second wave’ of coffee, characterized by the rise of specialty coffee shops like Starbucks, emphasizing quality and variety. The ‘third wave’ of coffee, a current trend, focuses on the production, with attention to the origin, brewing methods, and unique flavors of coffee.

In conclusion, the history of coffee is a journey from an energizing fruit in Ethiopia to a global product and cultural sensation. Furthermore, there’s no evidence that coffee’s appeal will ever decrease, with more and more coffee shops continuing to pop up globally. With that said, in the first five years in business, it’s estimated that more than half of independent coffee shops will close due to a combination of economic factors and tough competition in the industry. It’s strong proof of coffee’s universal appeal and its ability to adapt to different cultures and times. Despite its small beginnings, coffee continues to evolve, shaping and being shaped by the societies that enjoy it.

Herb

Vocabulary
frolic (verb) – to play or move about in a cheerful and lively way
intrigue (verb) – to make someone very interested and want to know more
plantation (noun) – a large estate where crops (such as coffee, bananas, sugar, etc.) are grown
advent (noun) - the arrival of an important person, event or thing