User:Rebeccashak/sandbox/History of Coffee

Introducing Coffee

Coffee is a significant part of our lives. According to the National Coffee Association, also known as NCA, 7 out of 10 Americans drink coffee every week and 62% of the population drink coffee everyday. It’s available in our home and on the go, making it easily accessible and portable. Near half of the daily coffee drinkers buy their coffee from coffee shops and fast restaurant services, leading to the annual rise in coffee shops by 7%. Coffee is not just popular in the United States; it is the second most-consumed beverage globally; tea is considered number 1. Since it is so popular, it is important to be aware of where it originated from.

Coffee as we know it is a beverage consisting of a decoction or infusion of the roasted ground or crushed seeds of the seeded fruit of certain coffee trees. Coffee beans are seeds that come from the Coffea plant, which is a shrub or a tree, and are found inside the berries of the plant. The genus Coffea plant is native to Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, and Madagascar. Along with the bean, the plant’s leaves and stems are all edible, though they are not as flavorful. Nevertheless, they all share one quality: small traces of caffeine. The Coffea plant has been used throughout history. For thousands of years, it played a major role in Ethiopian society and was used religiously. According to Lavazza, a popular coffee manufacturer, the beverage that we know came into existence in the 1400s, when it was first brewed in Yemen. Since then, people have discovered multiple ways to roast and brew coffee beans and each culture developed its own staple coffee drink. The abundance of coffee increased as it spread from the African coast across Europe. Correspondingly, the amount of labor put into planting, cultivating, and processing grew as well.

Murad IV: Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1623-1640

Although coffee is popular today, it was not always like that in the past. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was attempted to be banned in many countries. The first try at the coffee ban was in Mecca in 1511. The governor at the time, Khair Beg, believed that coffee could stimulate and spread radical thinking through coffeehouses across the Arabian Peninsula, which he thought could raise opposition against him. In addition, people were punished in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul, Turkey) after Sultan Murad IV took the throne in 1623 and banned coffee if they were caught drinking or having coffee in their possession. It is clear that coffee did not have a warm welcome when introduced to historical societies.

Coffee house culture began in the Ottoman Empire. Since liquor and bars were off-limits to most Muslims, coffeehouses were an alternative place to gather, socialize and share ideas. Due to how affordable coffee was, anyone could come in and order a cup. Essentially, it became a social norm to gather at these coffeehouses and socialize. Though, not everyone was pleased by this change. In 1633, Sultan Murad IV decreed that the consumption of coffee was a capital offense. One could even be sentenced to death for drinking it. Murad IV’s brother and uncle had been killed by janissaries, who were Ottoman soldiers known to frequent cafes. The sultan was so dedicated to catching coffee sippers that he allegedly disguised himself as a commoner and decapitated offenders with his hundred-pound broadsword. Ottoman sultans issued coffeehouse bans throughout the 18th century to prevent the gathering of coffee-drinking criminals. But by then, coffeehouses had already spread to Europe and were causing worry and fear in the kings. Coffee culture was so ingrained in society, that even failing to supply your wife with coffee was grounds for divorce.

Coffea arabica fruit

Coffee was involved in many revolutions, one of those being the American Revolution. After the events of the Boston Tea Party, coffee began to be seen as a patriotic drink to the colonists. The Green Dragon Tavern in Boston was known as The Headquarters of the Revolution whereas they would sell coffee with alcoholic beverages. In New York where the Merchant’s Coffee House can be founded is also an important place for the revolution, it was where patriots would gather and discuss how eager they were to break away from King George III. Even in London, where the Smyrna Coffee House can be founded. This is the place where Benjamin Franklin wrote the “Open Letter to Lord North,” which derided the king’s power over the colonies. Thus, coffee was at the center of historical events that happened during the American Revolution.

Berries of the Coffea canephora/robusta plant

There are two main types of Coffea plants that comprise the coffee used around the world. The most popular and common is Coffea arabica. According to the Atlas Coffee Club, this type of coffee accounts for over 60% of the world’s coffee production. Arabica beans grow in high altitudes and in areas that have a steady rainfall and plenty of shade, like in Ethiopia where it’s most commonly harvested. The trees are typically easy to care for since they are small in size (no taller than 6’) and are easy to prune. Pruning is when a tree, shrub, or bush is trimmed by cutting away dead or overgrown branches/stems to increase fruitful growth. Though it is not difficult to harvest, it must be attended to with great care and attention because it’s easily influenced by the environment and prone to disease. When Coffea arabica grows in climates that are not compatible with its growth, it takes double the effort to keep it healthy. Currently, it is common for coffee farmers to grow this plant in large quantities since it is so popular, but this comes with the risk of a massive disease outbreak that will contaminate the entire farm. Nevertheless, it’s worth the risk because the bright and flavorful taste of this plant cannot be beaten. The second most popular coffee is Coffea canephora, also known as Robusta. Unlike Coffea arabica, this plant can withstand warmer temperatures, is more tolerant of its environment, and is immune to disease. The only requirements the environment has to meet are that it has to be grown in a hot climate and rainfall has to be irregular. Compared to arabica, it has double the amount of caffeine. Thankfully, caffeine is what defends the plant against disease. This coffee is undeniably famous for its smooth texture, low acidity, and chocolaty flavor. This is a great coffee to regularly enjoy, but be aware that many farmers grow Robusta in unfavorable climates in order to profit from its popularity. Thus, the taste will be substandard if the robusta coffee is not of quality.

Overall, coffee is a popular drink that is loved by people globally. It is the second most popular drink in the world. Since its discovery in Ethiopia, coffee has been developed, traded, and consumed regularly. There are different beans circulated in the coffee business that provide a different taste and experience. While it had some political obstacles in some countries, the popularity of coffee helped overcome these barriers and have aid in the integration of it into the modern world. We will cover the history of coffee and its significance on our Wikipedia page below.

Breaking Down the Themes: The History of Coffee

As previously mentioned, the earliest account of the brewing of the beverage we enjoy and love today came about in the 15th century in modern-day Yemen, a small country in the Middle East. However, there is a legend that states that the effects of coffee were first discovered when a goat herder by the name of Kaldi noticed the effect this had on his goats during the 9th century after ingesting the berries. It was then brewed out of curiosity and was discovered to be able to keep monks awake for many hours at a time. Before coffee was best known as the drink to keep us awake, in earlier times its berries were prepared in a variety of ways. It was eaten in the most basic cherry-like fruit itself and also was mixed with animal fat to create a snack bar rich in protein. The fermented pulp of the fruit was also at one point used to make a drink similar to wine.

The word we know as coffee has its root in many different dialects before becoming the word that has the power to spring us up out of bed in the morning. It was known as “qahwah” in Yemen which was once actually used as a term for wine. Later on, it was known as “kahveh” stemming from Turkish roots and also “koffie” from the Dutch. After this, it became known as “coffee” by the English.

Coffee soon made its way to Europe sometime in the 17th century. It grew in popularity across the European continent, but there were people who were wary of the new drink and referred to it as the “bitter invention of Satan.” It was a controversial drink that got Pope Clement VIII involved and upon trying it, he was satisfied with the taste and approved for people to drink it. Amongst all the controversy, more and more coffee shops open across countries in Europe. The shops became popular places for socialization and communication for people to go and gather.

The Coffee House, Wavertree

Coffee soon became introduced to the New World. Although the popularity of coffee and coffee houses became increasingly popular, tea was still the favored drink. It wasn’t until after the infamous Boston Tea Party incident in 1773 that the people of the New World -Americans- started to favor coffee over tea. The third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, said one of his favored quotes “Coffee- the favorite drink of the civilized world” later on in 1824 and made sure that it was served in the President’s House among other places. As the demand for coffee continued to grow, more labor was required to keep up with such high demand. Realizing the profit that was made by the demand for coffee, black and indigenous slaves were imported by European colonizers to work on sugar and coffee plantations to do the labor wherever it was necessary.

Coffee has reached many parts of the world through travel and trade. Money was made and money was lost as coffee grew in popularity. Coffee had become one of the most profitable exports towards the end of the 18th century. It is the most sought-after good after oil in the world today.

Ethiopia

An Ethiopian woman roasting coffee at a traditional ceremony.

The first coffee trees were discovered in Ethiopia. Ethiopian coffee is noted for its bold, earthy, robust, and strong notes. It is mainly wet-processed and grown in the Sidamo, Harrar, and Kaffa regions of Ethiopia.

Coffee grown worldwide can trace its heritage back centuries to the ancient coffee forests on the Ethiopian plateau. As previously mentioned, legend says the goat herder Kaldi first discovered the potential of coffee beans. Kaldi discovered coffee after he noticed that after eating the berries from a certain tree, his goats became so energetic that they did not want to sleep at night. He reported his findings to the abbot of the local monastery, who made a drink with the berries and found that it kept him alert through the long hours of evening prayer. The abbot shared his discovery with the other monks at the monastery and knowledge of the energizing berries spread.

Coffee was introduced to the world of trade in 1454 when the mufti of Aden, a respected Imam, visited Ethiopia and drank the beverage. According to multiple narrations, he claimed that the properties of coffee drove away from his fatigue and lethargy, and brought the body energy and vigor. Soon his men and followers promoted coffee in Yemen and Mecca. He then arranged for coffee to be imported from Ethiopia. From there, it traveled across the Red Sea and into the Arab Empire and was soon found on menus everywhere. Evidence strongly suggests that modern coffee practices began when travelers began to grind coffee beans into a thick paste that can be easily packed, carried, and transported. Trade of this paste, along with word of mouth, was responsible for the rise in popularity and demand for coffee. After, word moved east and coffee reached the Arabian peninsula. This popular commodity quickly began to spread from Africa across the globe.

Coffee is still Ethiopia’s staple beverage, the source of economic revenue, and is heavily ingrained in Ethiopian culture and society today. According to Cafe Altura, 60% of Ethiopia’s income from foreign trade comes from coffee and around 15 million of the county’s 100 million population depend on the coffee industry to make a living. Not only is it important to Ethiopia’s economy, but coffee contributes to over half of Africa’s involvement in the domestic market.

Arabian Peninsula

Storyteller at a coffeehouse in the Ottoman Empire. The first coffeehouses appeared in the Islamic world in the 15th century.

Coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian Peninsula. By the 15th century, coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia and by the 16th century, it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey. According to historians, we can assume Yemen is the second oldest country to produce and drink coffee. The coffee harvested there was smaller and malformed because of the lack of water and dry air. This also gave the beans a very deep and rich flavor. Yemen is also responsible for the name “Mocha” in coffee culture since coffee was regularly shipped from the Mocha port in Yemen to the Arabian Peninsula and across Europe.

Though the Quran, Islam’s sacred and holy book, forbade the drinking of alcohol and intoxicants, Muslims who drank coffee argued that it was a stimulant, not an intoxicant. As a matter of fact, Sultan Murad IV tried to justify the banishment of coffee by claiming it wasn't halal, or permissible according to Islamic law, though that claim was later deemed false. During the 13th century, coffee became popular in the Muslim community for its sleep preventing characteristic which was useful during long prayer sessions. On the Arabian Peninsula, coffee was first used for medicinal and religious purposes but soon was made a part of everyday life. The wealthy began to add coffee rooms to their homes where they would conduct coffee ceremonies. From private coffee rooms sprang the first coffeehouses. During the fifteenth century, Muslim pilgrims helped broaden the appeal of coffee and it quickly became a valuable trade item throughout Persia, Egypt, Turkey, and North Africa. By the sixteenth century, coffee and coffeehouses were very common in the Muslim world. “Qahveh khaneh” was the name for public coffee houses where people enjoyed the beverage and each other’s company outside of just drinking coffee in their homes. Patrons were able to drink coffee, engage in conversation, listen to music, watch performers, play chess, and keep up with current news in the coffee houses. It was the center for socializing and exchange of information and was even referred to as “Schools of the Wise”. As the popularity of coffee increased, they began to appear in cities throughout the Near East. Coffee was a staple at all social gatherings and activities and still is an important aspect of hospitality and a symbol of generosity in Arab societies.

Coffee in Europe

Coffee Vs. Britain

Coffeehouse in London, 17th century

Coffee during the late 17th century is what fueled the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment was a period of time where thinkers begin to question traditional authority and embraced changes in beliefs that could improve humanity through rational change. Coffee was a common people drink because it was too expensive during the time, and only the rich would drink it. When the first coffee house was made in 1652, it quickly grew in numbers, with over 2000 plus coffee houses by the 1700s. At this time, coffee houses were called "Penny Universities" because that was the price of coffee during the time, and you can listen to the most intelligent, such as Isaac Newton, people speak and share their ideas, especially political ideas. King Charles II did not like coffee houses because he feared that these places would help people come together to overthrow him. King Charles II went so far as to send spies into coffee houses to watch what the people were doing and planning. This leads to the coffee ban in Britain in 1675, but it only lasted 11 days. King Charles II's fears came to reality as the Enlightenment began in 1715 as coffee houses became more popular and became a public sphere where different minds come together and meeting one another to inspire a wave of new thought. This concept displayed the Enlightenment's most defining characteristic, sharing ideas.

The petiton that women made against coffee.

Coffee was not out of the woods yet; meet the women of Britain. These women did not like coffee because they were not allowed to enter coffee houses and did not like that their husbands would spend money and hang out there for extended periods of time. In 1674, this caused them to create a petition called "Women Petition Against Coffee," where they lay out their complaints about coffee. They went as far as wishing for coffee to become a forbidden drink and return to the "old days" where they drunk beer, which was the most popular drink in Britain before coffee came around. This, however, did not stop coffee popularity as it continues to grow and become more desirable.

Coffee in the French Revolution

Coffee in France had a positive outlook under King Louis XIV because he received a coffee plant as a gift in 1714 from the Mayor of Amsterdam. This changed after his death and his great-grandson, King Louis XV, took the throne in September 1715. . This changed after his death and his great-grandson, Louis XV, took the throne in September 1715. King Louis XV viewed coffeehouses as a threat because he believes people are exchanging radical ideas. Thus, he would send spies on different missions, such as eavesdropping on a potential threat and working undercover in foreign capitols. King Louis had gotten much important information from these methods because coffeehouses were where the French Revolution was planned.

After King Louis XV's death and was succeeded by his grandson Louis XVI, coffeehouses in France were still under scrutiny from the monarchy, one being Cafe de Procope. This cafe was open in 1689, and it attracted many intellectuals like Maximilien Robespierre, a lawyer, and figurehead of the revolution. . Robespierre would debate and show his hatred towards the king. He also led the nobility to turn against King Louis XIV because of his tax reform plan and pushing France closer to bankruptcy. Thus, thanks to coffee houses, leaders of the revolution begin to share ideas and grow into power.

Camille Desmoulins giving a speech to a crowd of people.

A cafe called the Palais Royal was where the call to arm and storm the Bastille. On July 12, 1789, Camille Desmoulins, a journalist and pamphleteers, played the most important part in the French Revolution. At this cafe, Desmoulins gave out a passionate speech on top of a cafe table, and through this, he whipped the crowd into an anti-aristocracy rage. It was only two days later when they stormed the Bastille and begun the revolution. . Despite the ending of the revolution, coffeehouses continue to become more popular. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, there were 800, and by 1843 there were over 3000 coffeehouses. This shows, even through troubling times, nothing can stop the rapid growth of coffee.

Coffee Coming to America

Captain John Smith

Boston Tea Party of December 1, 1773 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Coffee was finally brought to the New World by the British in the mid-17th century. The first to bring a knowledge of coffee to North America was Captain John Smith, who founded the Colony of Virginia at Jamestown in 1607. . Captain John Smith introduced coffee in America when he shared it with the other Jamestown settlers in 1607 after becoming familiar with coffee in his travels in Turkey. Surprisingly, coffee’s popularity did not take off right away. These newly arrived Americans were still too accustomed to drinking tea, hard cider, and ale. In the period when New York was New Amsterdam, and under Dutch occupancy, coffee had been imported from Holland, where it was being sold on the Amsterdam market as early as 1640, and where regular supplies of the green bean were being received from Mocha in 1663. The English introduced the coffee drink into the New York colony between 1664 and 1673. After that period, the next early reference to coffee was in 1668, at which time a beverage in New York was made from roasted coffee beans and flavored with honey and cinnamon was being drunk in New York. Coffee first appears in the official records of the New England colony in 1670. In 1683, the year following William Penn's settlement on Delaware, he was found buying supplies of coffee in the New York market and paying for them at the rate of eighteen shillings and nine pence per pound. By the mid-1700s, taverns often doubled as coffee houses, but coffee was considered “only a drink for the well-to-do” and tea was still the American drink of choice. Nonetheless, during the 17th and 18th centuries, coffee houses patterned after the English and Continental prototypes were popping up all around Boston and that trend was soon established in all the colonies. Coffee houses were popular, but it wasn’t until the Boston Party in 1773 that America’s coffee culture was changed forever. On December 16, 1773, the Sons of Liberty, a group of merchants and tradesmen founded to protest British taxation, disguised themselves as Native Americans, boarded docked ships and threw 342 chests of tea (an amount worth about a million dollars in today’s dollars) into the Boston Harbor in direct opposition to the tea tax. Famously known as The Boston Tea Party, the eccentric revolt sealed coffee’s fate in America. Drinking tea became an unpatriotic act. Britain was now a country of tea-drinkers and America, coffee-drinkers. The revolt against King George III generated a mass switch from tea to coffee amongst the colonists. The demand for coffee flourished, and after the Dutch had secured coffee. Coffee cultivation expanded outside of Arabia for the first time. Travelers and traders carried seeds to new lands, and coffee trees were planted across the globe. By the 18th century, coffee had become one of the world’s most profitable commodities.

Timeline

• 850 A.D: Legend has it that coffee is first discovered by goat herder Kaldi
• 1000 A.D: First known literature is written by physician and philosopher Avicenna Bukhara going over the medicinal properties and benefits of coffee
• 1100 A.D: Coffee is given the name “qahwa” which translates to “that which prevents sleep” in present-day Yemen
• 1453 A.D: Ottoman Turks introduced coffee and they added different spices such as cinnamon and clove to their drink that is still used to this day
• 1475 A.D: Coffee shops begin to open in Constantinople which soon becomes bustling centers for political debates and discussions
• 1570 A.D: Coffee reaches Venice, Italy. It was first only available to the wealthy and was sometimes sold for medicinal purposes
• 1600 A.D: The clergy of the church in Venice believed that coffee was a satanic drink so Pope Clement VIII tried it and was pleased by the drink. He approved the drink and encouraged people to drink the beverage.
• 1607 A.D: A captain by the name of John Smith brings awareness of the new drink, coffee, to the New World
• 1650 A.D: The very first coffee house opens in England near Oxford University
• 1652 A.D: The first coffee house soon opens in London and quickly became very popular so more and more coffee houses opened
• 1668 A.D: Coffee becomes the favored breakfast drink over a beer in New York City
• 1669 A.D: Coffee is introduced to Paris and pretty soon all the Parisians are speaking greatly of coffee
• 1773 A.D: The Boston Tea Party occurs and soon drinking coffee overtakes in popularity drinking the overtaxed tea
• 1906 A.D: An inventor by the name of George Washington creates and sells the first instant coffee
• 1946 A.D: The first espresso machine is invented by Achille Gaggia
• 1971 A.D: The first Starbucks store is opened in Seattle

  

  Starbucks -1 (281802870)

• 1972 A.D: The first home coffee maker, known as Mr. Coffee, was introduced by a man known as Vincent
• 2009 A.D- Present Time: Coffee is one of the most popular and consumed beverages around the world

External links

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