The journey of coffee from its seemingly mythical origins to its present-day status as an integral part of any household is a fascinating tale of discovery, cultural exchange, and innovation. If you’ve ever been curious about how your favourite beverage came to be, this is the right place for you.
A popular story about coffee’s origins involves Kaldi, an Ethiopian goat herder, who discovered coffee when he saw that his goats were so energised after eating the beans that they refused to sleep at night. He reported this to a local abbot, who made a beverage with the beans and found that the drink kept him awake and invigorated during long hours of evening prayer.
However, the legend of Kaldi is just one story of how coffee came to be. In this article, we’ll explore the history of coffee, from its early history in Ethiopia to its evolution into the modern brew that we all know and love today.
Early history of coffee
Although the exact origins of coffee are unclear, it’s generally believed that coffee, specifically in the form of Arabica coffee beans, is native to Ethiopia and was exported to Yemen in the 15th century. From there, coffee spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula to places like Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey with one the most prominent ports from this time being the city of Mokha, the namesake of mocha coffee. Coffeehouses began appearing throughout what is now the Middle East, becoming an integral part of society where people gathered to engage in conversation, listen to music, watch performances, play chess, gossip, and catch up on news.
Coffee’s Global Journey in the Modern World
Eventually, coffee made its way to Europe, first via the Ottoman Empire to Hungary in 1526 and simultaneously into Vienna, Austria through trade. The introduction of coffee into high society meant it became a valuable commodity, and it was brought to England as well, with the first coffeehouse being built in Oxford in 1650 and many others popping up in London soon after. Coffeehouses in England became places for men (women were banned from coffeehouses at the time) to discuss politics and religion as well as exchange news, with many business ventures and ideas from the time allegedly beginning in coffeehouses.
With the advent of globalisation and international trade, coffee became a global phenomenon that impacted the cultures and economies around the world. In the Americas, especially Latin America, the hot and tropical climate proved ideal for coffee cultivation. This transformed the region into an economic powerhouse, and today Brazil is one of the biggest coffee producers in the world.
Meanwhile, here in Southeast Asia coffee has become deeply ingrained in local cultures. If you’re a coffee aficionado, you’ve most likely heard of the unique Indonesian coffee variety called “kopi luwak”, which is coffee brewed from civet droppings after they have eaten and digested coffee berries! Vietnamese drip coffee has also gained popularity due to its distinctive taste and unique blend, which comes from the unique brewing technique and the use of Robusta coffee beans instead of the more common Arabica beans.
Today, developments in modern technology have made coffee machines more convenient and sophisticated than ever before. Machines like our Barista Milk Device allow you to craft all sorts of milk and coffee recipes at home with the simple press of a button while our range of Original and Vertuo coffee machines and convenient coffee capsules consistently ensure a high-quality cup of coffee every time.
The history of coffee is a captivating journey that spans centuries and encompasses legends, cultural transformations, and technological advancements. From the highlands of Ethiopia’s past to the charming café down the street, coffee has evolved from a mystical discovery to a global staple. Today, it continues to shape our daily lives and rituals, with speciality brews and innovative technologies enriching our coffee-drinking experience.
Now that you understand the journey of the bean to your cup of coffee, we hope that you have a newfound appreciation for this classic drink. If you’re looking to elevate your coffee rituals, explore a wide selection of Nespresso capsules from both the Original and Vertuo ranges. Discover the perfect blend for your taste and enjoy the rich heritage of coffee with every cup.