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HISTORY OF COFFEE

The history of coffee is a fascinating tale of discovery, trade, and cultural transformation. It began in Ethiopia, where legend credits a goat herder, Kaldi, with noticing his goats’ unusual energy after eating coffee berries. By the 15th century, coffee had spread to Yemen, where Sufi monks used it to stay awake during long prayers. The port city of Mocha became a major hub for the coffee trade, giving its name to the beverage.

Coffee then reached the Ottoman Empire, where it flourished. The first coffee houses, or qahveh khaneh, became centres for socializing, intellectual debate, and entertainment, solidifying coffee’s cultural significance. As trade expanded, coffee travelled to Europe in the early 17th century, likely brought by Venetian merchants. Initially met with suspicion, it gained acceptance after Pope Clement VIII reportedly blessed the drink. Coffee houses emerged across Europe, serving as meeting places for thinkers, artists, and merchants. Iconic establishments like Café Procope in Paris and Lloyd’s Coffee House in London became pivotal in shaping business and culture.

With colonial expansion, European powers introduced coffee cultivation to tropical regions. The Dutch established plantations in Java (Indonesia), the French in the Caribbean, and the Portuguese in Brazil, which remains the largest coffee producer. These efforts turned coffee into a global commodity.

In the 19th century, innovations like vacuum-sealed packaging and instant coffee transformed its accessibility. The 20th century saw the rise of global coffee chains, such as Starbucks, making coffee a cultural phenomenon. Modern speciality coffee movements emphasize sustainability and quality, connecting coffee’s rich history with contemporary values.

Today, coffee is not just a beverage but a universal symbol of culture, connection, and creativity, enjoyed by billions around the world daily.