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History of Coffee

Coffee originated in Ethiopia, where a goat herder named Kaldi discovered its energizing effects. It spread to the Arab world in the 15th century, becoming popular in coffeehouses, and later reached Europe in the 17th century, where it gained popularity as an alternative to alcohol. Today, coffee is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, influenced by colonial practices and modern trends emphasizing quality and ethical sourcing.

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Abdullah Said
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15 views1 page

History of Coffee

Coffee originated in Ethiopia, where a goat herder named Kaldi discovered its energizing effects. It spread to the Arab world in the 15th century, becoming popular in coffeehouses, and later reached Europe in the 17th century, where it gained popularity as an alternative to alcohol. Today, coffee is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, influenced by colonial practices and modern trends emphasizing quality and ethical sourcing.

Uploaded by

Abdullah Said
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A Brief History of Coffee

Origins in Ethiopia
Coffee's journey began in Ethiopia, where legend tells of a goat herder named Kaldi
who noticed his goats became energetic after eating berries from a certain tree.
These berries would become the foundation of one of the world’s most beloved
beverages.

Spread to the Arab World


By the 15th century, coffee was being cultivated in Yemen. Sufi mystics used it to
stay awake during prayers, and coffeehouses—known as qahveh khaneh—flourished
across the Islamic world, becoming centers for intellectual discussion and music.

Arrival in Europe
Coffee reached Europe in the 17th century, initially met with suspicion. However,
it quickly gained popularity as a stimulating alternative to alcohol. Coffeehouses
sprang up in major cities and became known as “penny universities” because for the
price of a cup, one could engage in lively debate.

Global Commodity
As demand grew, colonial powers established coffee plantations across South
America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. This expansion was often driven by
exploitative labor practices. Today, coffee is a multi-billion-dollar global
industry.

Modern Coffee Culture


The 20th century saw innovations like instant coffee, espresso machines, and the
rise of café culture. In recent years, third-wave coffee has emphasized artisanal
roasting, ethical sourcing, and a return to high-quality, small-batch production.

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