A Brief History of Coffee: From Discovery to Global Obsession

A Brief History of Coffee: From Discovery to Global Obsession

Few beverages have shaped culture, commerce, and daily life as profoundly as coffee. What began as a humble discovery in the mountains of Ethiopia has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, fueling conversations, economies, and morning routines for centuries. Here’s a detailed look at how coffee was discovered, how it spread across the globe, and how trends have evolved over time to make coffee the beloved drink it is today.

The Discovery of Coffee

The origins of coffee are rooted in legend and folklore. The most famous tale is that of Kaldi, a 9th-century Ethiopian goat herder. Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic and lively after eating bright red cherries from a particular bush. Intrigued, he sampled the berries himself and felt a newfound vitality. He shared his discovery with local monks, who found that brewing the berries into a drink helped them stay awake during long nights of prayer.

While historians cannot verify every detail of the story, what is certain is that coffee plants are native to Ethiopia’s Kaffa region, and it was here that humans first began consuming coffee. Check out our Ethiopian Coffees.

Coffee Spreads Through the Middle East

By the 15th century, coffee had made its way across the Red Sea to Yemen, where it was cultivated and traded. The port city of Mocha became a key hub, lending its name to one of the earliest and most famous coffee varieties. In Yemen, coffee was embraced by Sufi mystics, who drank it to sustain concentration and energy during late-night devotions.

From Yemen, coffee spread throughout the Islamic world, reaching Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey. Coffeehouses - known as qahveh khaneh - became popular gathering places for intellectual discussion, music, and politics. These establishments earned coffee the nickname “the wine of Islam”, as it was a stimulating alternative to alcohol, which was forbidden.

Coffee Arrives in Europe

Coffee entered Europe in the 17th century through Venetian trade with the Ottoman Empire. At first, the unfamiliar dark drink caused suspicion, with some calling it “the bitter invention of Satan.” But in 1600, Pope Clement VIII famously tasted coffee and declared it so delicious that it should be baptized and embraced by Christians.

Soon after, coffeehouses began to flourish across European cities. In London, coffeehouses were called “penny universities” because for the price of a penny, patrons could buy a cup of coffee and engage in stimulating conversations about politics, literature, and science. In Paris and Vienna, they became centers of cultural and intellectual exchange. Coffee was no longer just a drink - it was a social experience.

Global Expansion and Colonial Plantations

With demand soaring, European colonial powers raced to cultivate coffee in tropical regions.

• The Dutch successfully grew coffee in Java (Indonesia) in the late 1600s.
• The French introduced coffee to the Caribbean in the early 18th century.
• The Portuguese planted it in Brazil, which, thanks to its climate, became the world’s largest producer by the 19th century.

By this time, coffee was no longer just an exotic luxury - it was becoming a global staple, grown across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and traded on a massive scale.

Coffee in the Modern Era

During the 18th and 19th centuries, coffee firmly established itself as a daily ritual in both Europe and the Americas. The Industrial Revolution increased production and distribution, making coffee more affordable and accessible. Soldiers, workers, and intellectuals alike came to rely on it as daily fuel.

In the 20th century, mass production and branding brought coffee into nearly every household. Companies like Folgers and Maxwell House emphasized consistency and convenience. Instant coffee, first patented in 1901, grew popular during wartime and in busy households. Coffee became less about social rituals and more about quick, daily energy.

By the late 20th century, the specialty coffee movement took hold. Coffee drinkers began to care more about bean quality, roasting methods, and origin. Espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos gained popularity worldwide, fueled by café culture, which transformed coffee into both a luxury and an everyday habit.

Coffee Today: The Third Wave

In the 21st century, coffee is experiencing what experts call the “third wave”. Today’s coffee drinkers value craftsmanship, sustainability, and transparency. They seek out single-origin beans, fair trade certifications, and artisanal roasters. Much like wine, coffee is now appreciated for its terroir - unique flavor notes tied to the region where it is grown.

Trends such as cold brew, nitro coffee, and specialty pour-over methods have expanded how people enjoy coffee. At the same time, the beverage continues to fuel daily life for billions, whether at home, in cafés, or at work.

Conclusion

From the hills of Ethiopia to every corner of the globe, coffee’s journey has been extraordinary. What started as a curious discovery of energizing berries grew into a worldwide trade, shaped cultures, and sparked revolutions in agriculture, commerce, and daily living. Today, coffee is not only the second most traded commodity in the world after oil but also a deeply personal ritual - uniting people across cultures, generations, and lifestyles.

Click here and explore our Gourmet Coffees.  We have a huge variety of high-quality options - always roasted-fresh and shipped daily.  Check out our Coffee Specials page to discover current deals on our great coffees.