Perk up your knowledge on the history of coffee

Do you have a love for coffee that goes beyond its delicious taste? Do you desire to know more about the origins of this popular drink? Well, you're in luck! Today, we will dive right into the history of coffee and discover how it went from a simple Ethiopian plant to the global phenomenon it is today. So grab your favorite cup of coffee and let's get started!

It all began in Ethiopia, in the 9th century, when coffee was used for its stimulating effects by African tribes. As a legend has it, a goat herder named Kaldi from Ethiopia noticed his goats became more energetic after eating the berries of a certain tree. He then took the berries to the local monks, who discovered a way to roast and brew them- something that we still do today! From there, word spread like wildfire, and coffee quickly made its way to the Middle East, where it became an important part of the Islamic culture (It really should be called Coffee Aethiopia not coffee Arabica).

By the 16th century, coffee was brought over to Europe by the Ottoman Empire. It became quite the fashionable drink among the wealthy, eventually reaching its reign of glory in the 18th century, where coffee houses were opened all across the continent. The "coffee house culture" was not just about the coffee, but a place for people to gather, discuss, and exchange ideas. It was the birthplace of literary and artistic movements, and even a place where revolutions were sparked.

Coffee quickly made its way across the Atlantic, and by the 1800s, it became a staple drink in North America. New York City's first coffee roastery was established in 1860, and by the early 1900s, coffee plantations were popping up all across Central and South America. Today, coffee is a global giant, with over 2.25 billion cups consumed worldwide, every single day.

So there you have it, a brief history of coffee, from its humble origins in Africa to taking over the globe. Coffee is not just a drink- it's a symbol of culture, community, and creativity. Next time you take a sip of your favourite coffee, take a moment to reflect on its rich history and enjoy it even more. Cheers!