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1000
The discovery of coffee
Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia during the 11th century by the 'Ethiopian Legend' Kaldi. After giving his goats (coffee) berries from a tree, he noticed increased energy and lack of sleep as a result. He reported this discovery to fellow monks at his monastery, where they proceeded to create a drink from the berry and be amazed at how long they would stay awake for.
The leaves from the original coffee plant were infused in boiling water, like a tea, for medical purposes. -
Period: 1000 to
Changes in its use and food production over time
While coffee's journey started with its leaves being used to make a drink, it evolved by being influenced around the world to develop into what it is today. The production of coffee granules incorporates the roasting and grinding of the beans, and now include the manufacturing of pods for individual use. Coffee is now not only used as a beverage, but also for desserts and snacks. Coffee's now available for everyone with different strengths and tastes. -
Period: 1400 to 1500
Coffee travels to Arabic countries
Due to the cultivation and trade on the Arabian Peninsula, coffee began growing and was well known around Arabia, Persia, Egypt, Syria and Turkey by the 16th century. This lead to the creation of 'coffee houses', which were used for all types of celebrations and events. Not only was a lot of coffee drunk, but also a lot of information and conversations were shared in these meeting locations, making coffee houses known as the 'Schools of the Wise'. -
Controversy in Europe
Rumours of coffee began creeping into Europe at the start of the 17th century, with travellers calling it an 'unusual dark black drink'. Although it's population around Europe was growing fast, coffee was seen by some as a dangerous discovery, some naming it 'the bitter invention of Satan'. It only began to make a positive affect after Pope Clement VIII was asked to drink it, and gave an amazing review of the beverage. -
Coffee travels around Europe
Coffee started to replace common breakfast refreshments, mainly beer and wine.
Over 300 coffee houses were created in London by the mid 17th century. These houses attracted all kinds of people from rich to poor.
During this time, coffee was also discovered in New Amsterdam, which again created many coffee houses in the location.
Tea was still the flavoured drink, but coffee was known to be the satisfying and modern beverage. -
Plantation of coffee
Due to the demand for coffee around the world, especially from its growth in Europe, the Dutch attempted to begin farming coffee plants. They failed their experiment in India, but however were successful in Batavia. After their achievement, they soon also expanded to grow on the islands Sumatra and Celebes. -
Martinique
After King Louis XIV planted a coffee tree in his royal garden, a young officer named Gabriel de Clieu obtained a seedling and travelled/transported it to the French island Martinique. Once planted, this tree was the origin of over 18 million coffee trees over the island in the next 50 years, as well as being the creator of all the coffee trees through the Caribbean, South and Central America. -
Tiramisu
The popular Italian dessert tiramisu was first created in the city Veneto. Its original shape is round, but can easily be shaped to a square/rectangle from its use of finger biscuits. Many variations have tried becoming popular overtime, replacing the flavour of coffee with different types of fruits and drinks. These can also be seen as different types of trifle.
Tiramisu translates to 'lift me up', which can be seen for the origin being in the north of Italy, as well as coffee characteristics. -
Conclusion
While the use of coffee originated in Ethiopia, it has travelled all over the world. Many cultures embraced it and created coffee houses and 'cafes', while other nationalities took longer to discover it. The Americans, English and Australians were more tea drinkers until the multicultural society changed their preference. Though coffee can be consumed using different methods (plunger, peculator, instant granules and pods) it is truly an international food.
