When was coffee first discovered?

Ah, coffee! Is there anything better to start your day than with coffee? In any case, I can't live without it. By the way, have you ever heard of goats dancing after eating coffee beans? No, then you really should read this cool story. Today I take you through the history of coffee. Where does it actually come from and who came up with the idea that you can drink this and that it is also super tasty? I'm going to tell you all.

Early legends and myths

One of the most beloved stories about the discovery of coffee takes us to ancient Ethiopia, where a shepherd named Kaldi discovered the energizing effects of coffee beans on his goats.

Legend has it that Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually lively and energetic after eating the red berries of a certain shrub.

Driven by curiosity, he tried these berries himself and soon felt their stimulating effect.

The story of Kaldi and his dancing goats quickly spread to the nearby monastery, where monks began using the berries to stay awake during their long evening prayers. And so, according to legend, our collective love affair with coffee began.

Ancient Ethiopian roots

The connection between Ethiopia and coffee is not only a story of myths and legends, but also the beginning of the history of coffee beans and coffee as a whole.

Historians believe that the origins of coffee as a beverage date back to the 9th century in this region. Ethiopians developed unique methods of gathering, roasting, and ultimately brewing coffee beans into the aromatic beverage we know and love.

It was in the Ethiopian highlands that these magic beans were used not only for their stimulating effect, but also as an important part of social rituals and ceremonies.

These early Ethiopian roots of coffee highlight coffee's deep historical and cultural significance, which goes beyond modern consumption and offers us a glimpse into a rich tradition that has survived generations.

Rise in the Arab world

As the story of coffee spread from Ethiopia, it made its way to the Arab world, where it was not only embraced, but also took on a whole new cultural meaning. In countries like Yemen, coffee culture really started to take shape.

In fact, the city of Mocha in Yemen became a synonym for coffee and played a crucial role in the early trade of coffee. Arab scientists studied the properties of the coffee bean, and coffeehouses known as 'Qahveh Khaneh' began to mushroom in the Middle East.

These coffee houses not only became centers for coffee drinking but also served as an important social hub where people gathered to exchange news, tell stories and enjoy music and various forms of entertainment.

It was in these bustling coffeehouses that coffee acquired its status as the "wine of Islam," a drink that refreshed the weary without numbing the mind the way alcohol does. The Arab world thus played an indispensable role in the transformation of coffee from a regional specialty to a global phenomenon.

Expansion to Europe and beyond

When coffee first set foot on European soil, it immediately caused a sensation. Traders brought the beloved bean from the Middle East to Europe, where it quickly became a staple of everyday life.

Venice, with its thriving trade networks, served as one of the first gateways for coffee to enter Europe. Not long after, coffeehouses opened their doors in major European cities, just as they had in the Arab world.

These establishments quickly became popular meeting places where intellectuals, artists and politicians discussed the latest developments in science, politics and culture.

The entry of coffee into Europe was not without controversy. Thus, it was criticized in some quarters and even called "Satan's bitter invention", until Pope Clement VIII blessed it as a Christian drink, paving the way for its acceptance.

The love for coffee then quickly spread beyond Europe to the New World and other areas, thanks in part to colonial powers setting up coffee plantations in tropical countries to meet the growing demand.

Thus, coffee became a global passion, a drink that brings people together all over the world, from the coffeehouses of historic Vienna to the trendy cafés of modern cities.

Conclusion

Coffee is more than just a drink; it is a cultural phenomenon that brings people together all over the world.

Whether you enjoy a carefully brewed espresso in an Italian café, or drink a cup of robust filter coffee at home, coffee has become a universal language that offers friendship, comfort, and inspiration.

It has found its way across cultures, continents and centuries, and has firmly established itself at the heart of our daily lives.

The story of coffee is one of discovery, innovation, and most importantly, enjoyment. So let us raise our heads to this beautiful black gold, which continues to captivate and unite, cup after cup!