The History of Coffee: From Origins to Modern-Day

Coffee cultivation began in Ethiopia, possibly as early as the 9th century. Legend tells of Kaldi, an Ethiopian goat herder who discovered the coffee cherries after noticing his goats' energetic behavior.

By the 15th century, Sufi monks in Yemen were cultivating coffee. They used the beans to stay awake during long prayer sessions, spreading its popularity throughout the Islamic world.

Venetian traders introduced coffee to Europe in the 17th century. Despite initial suspicion, coffee houses soon became centers of social activity and hubs for intellectual exchange.

The Dutch started coffee plantations in Java and the West Indies, while the French cultivated it in the Caribbean. Coffee became a global commodity, integral to colonial economies.

In the early 18th century, Brazil began coffee cultivation. By the 1830s, Brazil became the world's largest coffee producer, a title it still maintains today, thanks to ideal growing conditions and expansive plantations.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw advancements such as hybrid plants and sun cultivation. These innovations increased yields but also led to deforestation and biodiversity loss.

In response to market volatility and poor labor conditions, the late 20th century gave rise to the Fair Trade movement, promoting sustainable farming practices and better prices for farmers.

Ludwig van Beethoven was so particular about his coffee that he counted exactly 60 beans per cup!