History of coffee
History of Coffee
The History of Coffee (pronunciation: /ˈkɒfi/) is a topic that spans centuries and continents, tracing the journey of a simple bean from its natural habitat to its current status as a global commodity.
Etymology
The term "coffee" is believed to have originated from the Kaffa region in Ethiopia, where the coffee plant, Coffea, was first discovered. The word "coffee" entered the English language in 1582 via the Dutch koffie, borrowed from the Ottoman Turkish kahve, in turn borrowed from the Arabic qahwah (قهوة).
Early History
The earliest credible evidence of coffee-drinking or knowledge of the coffee tree appears in the middle of the 15th century, in the Sufi monasteries of Yemen. From there, it spread to Mecca and Medina, and then to the rest of the Ottoman Empire, including Turkey, Syria, and Egypt.
Spread to Europe
Coffee first arrived in Europe through the port of Venice, Italy, in the 16th century. It was initially met with suspicion and was even condemned by the Vatican. However, it eventually gained popularity and by the 17th century, coffee houses were common in cities across Europe.
Modern History
In the 18th century, coffee reached the Americas through the efforts of the British East India Company and the Dutch East India Company. Today, coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, with millions of people relying on it for its stimulating effects.
Related Terms
- Coffea: The genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. Coffea species are shrubs or small trees native to tropical and southern Africa and tropical Asia.
- Caffeine: A central nervous system stimulant of the methylxanthine class. It is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive drug.
- Espresso: Coffee brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans.
- Latte: A coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on History of coffee
- Wikipedia's article - History of coffee
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