Coffee has more or less become a necessity in our daily lives. Whether it’s to get you up in the morning, pass the time, talk with a potential client, or as a weird way to end the day, coffee is, and will always be there for you, your partner, your parents, maybe even your kids if that’s how you roll. For all its uses and presence in our lives, do we really know the history of coffee and how it came to be such an integral part of society?
Nature’s Guides
One of the earliest records of coffee’s history is an old Ethiopian legend of how the goat herder Kaldi saw that his goats suddenly became extra energetic and restless after consuming the berries from a tree that they came across. Kaldi then went to a monk who tried to make a drink from the beans, and it kept him awake through the long nights of prayers. Word got around from the monk and his new energy drink, and soon everyone wanted to have a literal shot.
Another legend about coffee’s origins can be traced back to Yemen in the Arabian Peninsula. It’s said that a Sufi mystic was going around Ethiopia on a spiritual journey, and he saw some energized birds eating from a specific tree. Since he was pretty gassed out himself, he decided to try the fruit for himself and voila, instant energy. While this may hold some water, the more realistic belief is that coffee beans were imported from Ethiopia to Yemen, where it then spread throughout the Far East.
Global Expansion
When the Ottoman Empire began their expansion world tour, they brought with them the magic of coffee. By the 16th or 17th Century, coffee had gained traction in Europe. While it did get some resistance due to its association with Muslims, even Pope Clement VIII gave it the green light after having a sip. Eventually, coffee made it to the British Isles, and with their own global exploits, coffee eventually reached every nook and cranny of the planet.
Modern Times
Fast forward to today, and coffee is everywhere, whether it’s still being harvested from a tree and consumed by Ethiopian tribesmen, being grown in plantations in Brazil, harvested from the droppings of civets in Asia, or packed in a small sachet in a grocery in the Philippines, you can be sure that if there are people, there will be coffee.
Getting your daily caffeine fix no longer requires a trip to another country (or another country’s army paying your village a visit). In fact, it can be as easy as going online and getting in touch with us here at Equipoise Coffee. We have a wonderful selection of beans to fit any palette, whether your own or for someone else you want to give the gift of great caffeine.
