Summary
An overview of how coffee originated in Ethiopia, spread through the Middle East to Europe, and eventually became a global commodity.
The Global History and Evolution of Coffee
Highlights
Origins and Spread
Coffee cultivation began in Ethiopia based on the legend of Kaldi the goat herder. It was adopted by monks to aid with wakefulness during prayers and later spread to Yemen, establishing the port of Mocha as a major trading center.
European Integration
By the 17th century, coffee reached Europe, where coffee houses emerged as hubs for social, political, and intellectual discourse, famously referred to as 'penny universities' in London.
Global Production
Colonial expansion by the Dutch and French spread coffee plants to Java, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Today, Brazil is the leading producer, and coffee remains a vital global commodity supporting over 100 million people.