The History of Coffee

Coffee's roots are widely debated and like a fine wine, are shrouded in mystery and romance. There are many accounts of how this extraordinary beverage came to be. The most famous and well known is the legend of Kaldi, a third century monk living in Ethiopia.

It is believed that this monk discovered the Arabica coffee bean, indigenous to Ethiopia, when he found his goats dancing wildly after eating the cherries from a bush. He tried the cherries himself and enjoyed their stimulating effects so much that he shared these withthe other monks. It soon became a religious ceremonial drink tokeep them awake during their long hours of prayer at night!

The Emergence of Coffee

Coffee first emerged in a form similar to tea today. The leaves from the coffee shrubs were boiled in water and the liquid was consumed 'black'. This preparation technique gave way to the use of cherries and later the roasted seeds of cherries known as coffee beans.

The popularity of coffee soon began to spread, due to great demand. Coffee is both a functional beverage (a wake-me-up), as well as a sensual experience. An understanding of the romance and history of coffee is integral to enjoying a fine cup of coffee. Few people realize the history they hold in their cup.

Coffee Time-Line

• 5th-13th Century: Coffee was prepared in a manner similar to wine. It was not used as a hot beverage.
• 15th Century: The coffee trade was restricted to the Yemen district of Arabia and was jealously guarded.
• 16th Century: Plant cuttings were smuggled from Yemen and the cultivation of coffee crops spread out to Egypt, Syria, and Turkey. Coffee houses began to open in every major city in the Middle East.
• 1615: The first shipment arrives in Venice from Turkey.
• 1683: Coffee reached Vienna. Shortly after, the first Viennese coffee house opened.
• 1773: American colonies revolted against high taxes placed on tea drinking by King George. "The Boston Tea Party" changed drinking habits and coffee became the favourite brew.
• 1800: Coffee was a major export crop and plantations extended from the Eastern to the Western hemisphere.
• 1962: The first International Coffee Agreement was held in New York. Coffee supplies were balanced and prices fairly regulated.
• 1979: Gloria Jean's Coffees opened its first stores.