A Brief history of Coffee

The history of coffee dates back centuries, with its origins believed to be in Ethiopia. According to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the stimulating effects of coffee beans around 850 CE when he noticed his goats becoming particularly energetic after eating the berries from a certain tree.

From Ethiopia, coffee made its way to the Arabian Peninsula, where it was cultivated and traded. By the 15th century, coffee was being grown in Yemen and was known in Mecca. Sufi monasteries in Yemen were among the first to brew coffee as a beverage, using it to aid concentration during prayers.

Coffee’s popularity spread rapidly throughout the Middle East, Persia, Turkey, and North Africa. By the 16th century, it had reached Europe, where it quickly became a popular drink. Coffeehouses, known as “schools of wisdom,” emerged as important social hubs where people gathered to converse, play games, listen to music, and discuss politics.

In the 17th century, coffee made its way to the Americas, where it continued to grow in popularity. Today, coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, enjoyed by millions for its rich flavor and energizing effects.