Ever wondered how coffee got so popular? Well, this wonderful brew has a history that’s just as rich as its taste. There’s none is well known perfectly when, where or how the coffee was really discovered. Although, there are so many familiar heroes on the development of today’s coffee region to region.
The coffee has been growing around the globe, it has a heritage from centuries to the ancient era. The legend Kaldi, first invented the coffee bean in the Ethiopian Plateau. Many people want to know all about its A-Z history. Here is a beginner’s guide to briefhistory of coffee for you.
Humans Didn’t Discover Coffee!
The honor was accorded to goats. According to legend, coffee was discovered by goats that were herding along some bushes in Ethiopia. The goat herder with them noticed that after eating from these particular bushes, the goats were excitedly jumping around. Out of curiosity, he picked a few berries himself and tried them out. He immediately felt stimulated.
He later took the berries to some monks who were nearby. They threw them in the fire but were fascinated with the aroma that was as a result of the berries burning and there’s no surprise there. There’s nothing more appealing than the smell of coffee in the morning. They began to use it to keep awake during prayers.
The Spread of Coffee in Arabia
By the 15th Century, coffee had spread to Yemen. It was a useful stimulant during long prayer sessions and spread to holy cities such as Mecca. It did receive some resistance from religious Muslim authorities because of the belief that it disabled one from thinking clearly but it had gained too much popularity to be stamped out. It spread to the rest of Arabia and the Northern part of Africa.
There are reports that for a long time, there had been a people of Yemen who fermented coffee berries to make wine. But by the time it was spreading, the modern method of processing, grinding, roasting and brewing coffee was in wide practice. The advent of coffeehouses spread with the spread of coffee. Coffeehouses became a social place where people could meet to enjoy some coffee.
Because of its wide use in Mecca, a city where pilgrims migrated to, it soon spread further. Despite the rule against the export of coffee, Baba Budan, an Indian pilgrim, managed to steal away with some. This is ultimately what led to the entry of coffee into Europe.
Today the presence of coffee’s passage through Arabia is evidenced by its strong popularity and the use of the Turkish coffee method of brewing which brews you stronger coffee than even an espresso.
Europe And Coffee
The Dutch were the first Europeans to grow coffee. They grew it in their colonies such as Java, Ceylon, Timor, Sumatra, Celebes, and Bali. Europeans influenced the spread of coffee not just within Europe but in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean islands. The French grew coffee in the Caribbean, the Spanish in Central America and the Portuguese in Brazil.
Coffeehouses were very popular in Italy and France. In Italy, the popularity of coffee was met with some resistance. It was only after it was approved of by the Pope was the matter resolved. Coffeehouses soon spread to major European cities such as London. In the 17th century, there were more than 300 coffeehouses in London.
The Rise of Coffee in The USA
Coffee was introduced to the United States in the mid-1600s. Tea was still the preferred beverage until the 1773 Boston Tea Party when drinking coffee became an act of revolt. This cemented the love of coffee amongst Americans.
Modern Coffee
The most significant strides of coffee in the modern world would most likely include the invention of instant coffee by David Strang from New Zealand and the first pump espresso machine invented in 1960. Many independent coffeehouses were being set up all over the country; the first Starbucks was opened in 1971.
It wouldn’t do to forget the rise of the specialty coffee industry. This industry made the origin of the beans relevant, the specific characteristics of a variety of beans, the method of roasting and the brewing process all important. The USA has played a vital role in this aspect. Because of this industry, coffee has become a lot like wine in terms of the variety of flavors and other sensual characteristics it offers. Players in this industry also try to make coffee growing more sustainable and try to uplift farmers.
Final Words
The coffee industry has had an interesting growth process, it has been smuggled, it has endured several bans and for a while, even endured some fermenting. The next time you’re enjoying your cup of coffee, maybe you can take some time to think about the journey coffee traveled through history to get to your cup. I hope it makes you enjoy your cuppa all the more!