From its humble origins in modern-day Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen to its global prominence today, coffee has woven itself into the fabric of human culture.
Origins
The story begins with ancient traditions in the lands of Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen. By the 15th century, coffee had already cast its aromatic spell in Mecca. Sufi monasteries in Yemen embraced coffee as an aid to concentration during prayers, recognizing its ability to sharpen the mind and elevate the spirit.
As coffeehouses sprouted across Western Europe by the late 17th century, Holland, England, and Germany became hubs of caffeinated discourse. The New World, too, succumbed to coffee’s allure, with Gabriel de Clieu planting the first coffee seedlings in Martinique in 1720, birthing a legacy that would spread to other Caribbean islands and Mexico.
Brazil Takes the Crown
By 1788, Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) supplied half the world’s coffee, but it was Brazil that would ultimately wear the crown. In 1852, Brazil ascended to become the world’s largest coffee producer, a title it has held ever since. Yet, the coffee landscape continued to evolve. Colombia, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, and Vietnam emerged as formidable players, each contributing its unique blend to the global coffee symphony.
Etymology
The word “coffee” itself entered the English language in 1582, borrowed from the Dutch “koffie,” which, in turn, traced its lineage back to the Ottoman Turkish “kahve.” And where did the Ottomans find it? From the Arabic “qahwah,” a term that likely meant “the dark one,” alluding to the brew’s hue.
A Global Brew
Today, coffee is more than a beverage; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Modern production techniques and mass commercialisation have made it a household staple. So, as you sip your morning cup, remember the centuries of tradition, controversy, and passion that swirl within each aromatic swirl of coffee.