Coffee's journey begins in the ancient forests of Ethiopia, where legend credits its discovery to a goat herder named Kaldi. Around 850 AD, Kaldi noticed his goats becoming particularly energetic after eating red berries from a certain tree. Intrigued, he shared his findings with a local monastery, where monks brewed the first coffee, using it to stay awake during prayers.
By the 15th century, coffee had reached the Arabian Peninsula. It became a central part of Islamic culture, spreading quickly across Persia, Egypt, and the Ottoman Empire. Coffee houses, known as qahveh khaneh, became social hubs where intellectuals debated, artists performed, and merchants conducted business.
The beverage made its way to Europe in the 17th century, initially met with suspicion but quickly embraced. Coffee houses sprang up in major cities like Venice, Vienna, and London, earning nicknames like “penny universities” due to the intellectual conversations they fostered.
In the 20th century, coffee culture exploded with the advent of espresso machines in Italy and the establishment of iconic cafes. The rise of chains like Starbucks in the late 20th century revolutionized coffee drinking, making specialty coffee accessible globally.
Today, coffee is a universal beverage, celebrated for its rich history and the way it brings people together. Its evolution from a mysterious berry to a global commodity is a testament to its enduring appeal and cultural significance.
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