Module 2 – The Emergence of Coffee in Human History

The Origins of Coffee: A Journey Through Early History

The story of coffee begins in Ethiopia, where the coffee plant (Coffea arabica) grows natively in the highlands. The exact timeline is unclear, but its discovery is often traced back to oral traditions from the 9th century CE. Coffee’s story is one of cultural exchange, exploration, and transformation. Let's first delve into the earliest appearances of coffee in human history, how it was first used and consumed, and how it rapidly became a cultural phenomenon.

The Legend of Kaldi

 The legend of Kaldi is set in the highlands of Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. According to the myth, Kaldi was a young goat herder who spent his days tending to his flock in the lush, mountainous region of Ethiopia, possibly near the modern-day area of Kaffa, from which the name "coffee" is thought to have been derived. One day, Kaldi noticed something unusual—his goats, after eating the red cherries from a certain shrub, became unusually lively and energetic.

The goats, which had previously been calm and content, now pranced and leapt around, full of vigour. Intrigued by their transformation, Kaldi decided to try the berries himself. After sampling the cherries, he too felt a surge of energy and alertness. As he marveled at the effects of the berries, Kaldi considered the possible benefits and consequences of his discovery. He decided to share the phenomenon with a local monastery, hoping the monks might have some insight into this mysterious shrub.

The Role of the Monks

Kaldi’s discovery reached the monks of a nearby monastery, and they were intrigued by the energizing effects of the fruit. According to some versions of the legend, the monks decided to brew the berries into a drink. When they consumed it, they found that it helped them stay awake during long hours of prayer and meditation. The drink, believed to be a gift from God, enabled the monks to remain focused and alert while engaging in their religious duties. The monks reportedly began to use the beverage to enhance their spiritual practices, and soon others began to learn about the power of the mysterious berries.

Over time, word of this energizing drink spread throughout the region. Coffee's potential as a stimulant was recognized, and it slowly began to make its way from the monasteries to other communities. In some variations of the story, the drink was even used as a medicinal remedy for various ailments, further contributing to its growing popularity.

In Ethiopia, coffee was initially consumed in ways that differ from modern brewing techniques:

• Chewing Coffee Berries: The earliest use of coffee involved chewing the raw coffee cherries to extract their stimulating effects.

• Energy Balls: Ground coffee beans were mixed with animal fat to form compact, high-energy snacks, perfect for long journeys or labor-intensive tasks.

• Coffee Leaf Tea: Some communities brewed a tea-like beverage from the plant’s leaves, which were steeped in hot water for a milder stimulant effect.

The Spread of Coffee to Yemen and Arabia

By the 15th century, coffee crossed the Red Sea into Yemen, where it was cultivated and transformed into the beverage we recognize today. Yemeni monks are credited with pioneering the roasting and brewing methods that became the foundation of coffee culture.

In Yemen, coffee became an integral part of Sufi religious practices. Sufi mystics used the beverage to sustain their energy during long nights of dhikr (ritualistic chanting and meditation). They named the drink qahwa, an Arabic term originally associated with wine, reflecting its invigorating properties.

The Yemenis were the first to develop systematic cultivation of coffee. They perfected the process of:

1. Harvesting and drying the beans.

2. Roasting the dried beans to unlock their rich flavors.

3. Grinding the roasted beans into a fine powder.

4. Boiling the powder with water to create a strong, aromatic drink.

This method, now known as Turkish or Arabic coffee, was the precursor to all modern brewing techniques. 

The Coffeehouse Culture in the Ottoman Empire

Coffee’s spread through the Arab world and into the Ottoman Empire marked a key phase in the history of coffee. The Ottomans, who conquered much of the Eastern Mediterranean in the 15th and 16th centuries, played an important role in coffee’s transition from a regional to a global beverage. Coffeehouses (called kahvehane in Turkish) flourished in Istanbul and other Ottoman cities beginning in the 16th century. These coffeehouses became centers of intellectual activity, where philosophers, poets, and artists congregated.

The Ottoman Empire played a pivotal role in spreading coffee to Europe. During the expansion of the empire, coffee became a significant part of Ottoman culture, with the beverage reaching new parts of Europe, such as Hungary, Poland, and Austria, through the Ottomans' military campaigns and diplomatic connections.

Introduction to Europe

The first recorded instance of coffee being introduced to Europe is often attributed to Venice, Italy, during the late 16th century. Venetian merchants, who were active traders in the Mediterranean, came into contact with coffee during their dealings with the Ottomans. In 1615, Venetian traders imported coffee beans from the Ottoman Empire, and the drink was initially introduced as an exotic novelty among the elite circles of Venetian society.

Coffee, at this time, was not widely understood in Europe. It was often met with skepticism or even suspicion. However, the drink was described as having medicinal properties and was said to cure various ailments, which contributed to its popularity among intellectuals and the upper classes. Coffee quickly began to be consumed in the royal courts and among wealthy Venetians who were eager to embrace exotic goods from the East.

The Birth of Coffeehouses in Europe

As coffee slowly gained popularity among the aristocracy in Europe, it became a fixture in major European cities. The first coffeehouse in Europe was established in 1645 in Venice, followed by the opening of the first Parisian coffeehouse in 1671. However, it was in England that coffeehouses truly flourished and became a central aspect of social and intellectual life.

The first coffeehouse in England, known as "The Turk’s Head," opened in London in 1652. The coffeehouse quickly became a popular venue for merchants, traders, and intellectuals to gather and discuss business, politics, and the latest news. Coffeehouses in London began to earn the nickname "Penny Universities" because they provided a space where anyone could engage in lively debates and learn about current events for the price of a cup of coffee.

In the 17th century, coffeehouses spread throughout England, France, the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe. These establishments became vital to the development of European society, contributing to the expansion of commerce, science, and culture. The coffeehouse movement coincided with the rise of the Age of Enlightenment in Europe, where intellectuals and thinkers, such as Voltaire, John Locke, and Blaise Pascal, frequented coffeehouses to share ideas and engage in philosophical discussions.

Coffee’s Role in the Expansion of European Trade

Coffee’s popularity in Europe grew rapidly in the 17th century, leading to the establishment of the first coffee plantations in the tropical regions of the world. European colonial powers sought to control coffee production by establishing plantations in their overseas colonies. The Dutch were among the first to bring coffee plants to Java in the late 1600s, while the French began cultivating coffee in the Caribbean islands, particularly in Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti), in the early 18th century. The French also introduced coffee cultivation to South America.

The cultivation of coffee in European colonies allowed coffee to be produced on a large scale, meeting the growing demand in Europe. The establishment of coffee plantations also fueled the transatlantic slave trade, as laborers were needed to harvest the crops in the colonies.

By the 18th century, coffee had become a staple of European life. Coffeehouses continued to thrive, and the demand for coffee spurred the development of global trade networks. Coffee also became associated with colonial exploitation, with European countries profiting from the cultivation of coffee in their colonies.

The Role of Coffee in the Industrial Revolution

During the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, coffee became an essential part of the working class’s daily routine in Europe. The rise of factories and the shift to urbanization saw more workers relying on coffee to stay alert and energized during long working hours. Coffee was often sold in small establishments or through street vendors, making it an affordable and convenient stimulant for factory workers.

Coffee also played a significant role in fueling the social and intellectual dynamism of Europe during the Industrial Revolution. Intellectuals, writers, and activists continued to frequent coffeehouses as places to exchange ideas and discuss pressing social and political issues. As the Industrial Revolution expanded across Europe, so too did coffee’s role in shaping European society.

Coffee’s Transformation into a Global Commodity

The journey of coffee from its discovery in Ethiopia to its widespread consumption in Europe is a tale of cultural exchange, trade, and intellectual ferment. From its origins in the highlands of Ethiopia to its arrival in Europe through the Arab world and the Ottoman Empire, coffee became much more than just a beverage—it became a catalyst for social interaction, political debate, and economic development.

By the 19th century, coffee had transformed into one of the world’s most valuable commodities, shaping the economy and culture of Europe and beyond. Today, coffee is enjoyed in virtually every corner of the world, from small villages to bustling cities, and its journey from Africa to Europe continues to be a testament to the power of cultural exchange and trade in shaping global history.

The beverage initially faced resistance. Some clergy in Europe denounced coffee as the “bitter invention of Satan.” However, Pope Clement VIII is said to have tasted coffee, found it delightful, and gave it his blessing, ensuring its acceptance in Christian Europe.

Early European Brewing Methods

Ottoman Influence: European brewing methods were heavily influenced by the Ottoman style, which involved boiling finely ground coffee with water, often sweetened with sugar or spices. 

The “Percolation” Method: Over time, Europeans developed brewing methods that filtered coffee grounds, creating a cleaner, less gritty beverage.

Infusion Brewing: This involved steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water, a precursor to the French press method.

Espresso Roots: In Italy, the groundwork for espresso brewing emerged as Italians sought a more concentrated and flavorful coffee experience.

Impact of Coffee on European Society

The coffeehouse became the epicenter of 17th-century European intellectual life, dubbed “penny universities” in England because a cup of coffee cost a penny and provided access to stimulating conversation. Philosophers, writers, and scientists gathered to debate ideas, laying the groundwork for the Enlightenment. Coffee also transformed Europe economically, driving colonial expansion as European powers sought to establish coffee plantations in tropical regions like the Caribbean, Indonesia, and South America.

Coffee’s journey from Africa to Europe symbolizes more than just the spread of a beverage—it reflects the power of human curiosity, trade, and cultural exchange. The early methods of brewing, rooted in ritual and necessity, evolved into the sophisticated practices we cherish today, but the essence of coffee as a unifier and energizer remains unchanged.