The History of Coffee

Written by: Anna Pafenberg

Most Americans start their morning with a hot cup of Joe, but many have no idea where this everyday beverage comes from. Whether it's served in a mug, glass, or to-go cup from Starbucks, everyone is familiar with a cup of coffee!

It is rumored in the 9th century in Ethiopia that a goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee beans because his goats were seen eating berries off a small bush and then not being able to sleep at night. He reported his findings to an abbot, who made a drink to stay awake during the day, much like us! It is also legend to be first cultivated in Yemen through a mystic who ate the berries, very similar to the goats. By the 15th and 16th centuries, it was being cultivated and sold on the Arabian Peninsula in places like Yemen, Egypt, and Iran. The first coffee house was opened in Constantinople, now known as Istanbul in 1475. In the middle east there were the first coffee houses with music, chess, and of course, coffee! It was a great way to catch up with friends over a delicious drink. In Europe however, many people viewed coffee as satanic. Even after this, the popular coffee houses of the middle east started to appear in Europe. Soon the morning beverage switched from alcohol to coffee! In the 17th century, coffee made its way all the way to Asia. In Indonesia, the Dutch managed to cultivate coffee for consumption. They also made the first blend of coffee called a Mocha Java that you can still have today.

Finally, coffee was brought to the Americas in the 18th century. The King of France managed to send a sapling all the way to central America which created one of the largest coffee markets in the world. Coffee was brought to New York City in the 1600s and replaced the beloved beverage of tea. This was especially good after the tea tax was enacted because it was expensive thanks to King George III in 1773. This changed American’s love for coffee until the present. It is widely known as one of the most popular beverages enjoyed by almost everyone in the United States. Because of agricultural booms, coffee was a very sought after crop in the 19th century. It was extremely profitable in all parts of the world. The famed writer Voltaire was rumored to have 40-50 cups per day!

All in all, coffee has become one of the most sought after and profitable beverages in the ancient and modern world. If you ever need a burst of energy, coffee is delicious and a great way to focus and stay awake!