A Casual Look at Coffee Culture’s Past
Coffee is an energy booster that gives a kick start to your day, powers your late nights and makes it easy to brainstorm with your colleagues.
But have you ever stopped to think from where this globally-pleasing beverage actually originates from?
Coffee has an interesting journey that stretches from continents and centuries, filled with fascinating stories and awesome developments. Let’s take a casual look!
Humble beans originate in Ethiopia
Kaldi was a goat herder from the highlands of Ethiopia. One day he saw his goats behaving strangely energetic after chewing some red berries.
He got curious and tried the berries himself…..the rest is history. You will find some folklore shrouded with specifics but it is generally accepted that Ethiopia is the native land of coffee consumption.
Originally, the berries were likely chewed or used to make a kind of wine….far different than the cold brews and lattes you know and love.
From Ethiopia, coffee beans reached Yemen via Red Sea, where they were cultivated and roasted for the first time.
By 15th century coffee houses started popping up in Mecca and other cities. It became a hub for social interaction, intellectual discussion and debates.
The coffee houses in the early centuries were just places to grab a drink but also vibrant centres of culture.
Speaking about vibrant locations, if you are around Michigan, maybe you would want to visit Lucky Detroit coffee shop Royal Oak. The baristas really know their stiff and serve a flavorful cup of any kind of coffee you desire.
Coffee conquers Europe
Coffee made its ways to Europe in the 17th century but was initially met with cynicism. Some locals even called it as the bitter invention of Satan.
It is the pope that gave coffee an endorsement and soon coffee houses became fashionable spots for the elite.
The London coffee houses were known as ‘penny universities’ because a cup of coffee cost a penny and you could participate and learn about the world. These were influential places that shaped the political and economic landscapes.
The rise of coffee plantations
As the demand for coffee increased, European powers recognized the potential for profit. They started establishing coffee plantations in their colonies, exploiting the labour and resources to fulfil the escalating global appetite for beans.
This phase in coffee history has been marked by exploitation and inequality. This dark side of coffee’s past is still affecting the industry today.
Fair trades and ethical sourcing are crucial projects focused in addressing these historical injustices.
Coffee in Modern age
In the 20th and 21st centuries, coffee has become a crucial part of our daily lives. Coffee culture has evolved from instant coffee to espresso shots and there is an increase in specialty coffee shops.
How people consume coffee is consistently evolving with respect to highlights on bean origins, roasting techniques and brewing methods. Coffee culture has transformed from simple beans to carefully curated coffee experiences.
Coffee is a global phenomenon that connects people across culture and continents. So, the nest time you take a sip, remember – you are savouring centuries of traditions and innovations!
