13/06/2023
In the 15th century, coffee plants from Ethiopia found their way to southern Arabia and were cultivated. Legends surround the discovery of coffee, including one about an Arab goatherd named Kaldi, who tasted the berries and felt exhilarated. Despite initial opposition from Islamic authorities, coffee gained popularity as a substitute for alcohol. Coffeehouses, known as qahveh khanehs, emerged as cultural and social hubs, where people gathered to engage in conversation, music, games, and more.
Coffee spread to Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, with stories of its prohibition or approval in various contexts. Coffeehouses flourished in British colonies, Europe, and America. Initially, Yemen was the primary source of coffee, but as its popularity grew, cultivation expanded to Indonesia, the Americas, and Hawaii.
By the 20th century, Brazil became a major producer, and advancements such as industrial roasting, vacuum-sealed containers, and decaffeination processes were developed. Instant coffee production thrived after 1950, leading to increased production of Robusta beans in Africa due to its affordability.
The history of coffee is a captivating journey that encompasses cultural, social, and technological developments. From its humble origins in Ethiopia to its global presence today, coffee has become an integral part of daily life and culture worldwide.