Coffee is believed to have originated in Ethiopia in the 9th century. Legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats became lively after eating berries from a certain bush. He tried the berries himself and had the same effect. These berries were coffee cherries, which contain coffee beans. From Ethiopia, coffee spread to Yemen and other Middle Eastern countries. It was here that coffee drinking as a social activity began in the early 16th century in coffeehouses. From the Middle East, coffee then spread to Europe, Indonesia, and beyond through trade routes.
By the 17th century, coffee had
reached Europe and was gaining popularity there as well. The first European
coffeehouse opened in Italy in 1645 and soon coffeehouses were opening across
Europe, becoming centers of social and intellectual life. Coffee was
controversial at first due to its stimulant effects but eventually gained
widespread acceptance. It was introduced to North America in the late 17th
century by European colonists and traders.
Production and Varieties
There are over 100 varieties of
coffee, with the most common commercial varieties being Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica coffee tends to have more nuanced flavors and acidity, while Robusta
has higher caffeine content. The two main producers of coffee globally are
Brazil and Vietnam. Other major producers include Colombia, Indonesia, Ethiopia,
and India.
Coffee is grown in tropical and
subtropical regions between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The coffee
"bean" is actually the pit of a cherry from the coffee plant. Ripe
cherries are harvested by hand or machine, the pulp is removed, and the beans
are dried. They are then milled, sorted by size and density, graded for
quality, and exported worldwide.
Popular Forms of Coffee
Espresso - A strong, concentrated
coffee made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee
beans. It is the basis for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Drip Coffee - Coffee made by pouring
hot water over ground coffee beans in a filter. The flavorful liquid drips into
a pot or carafe below.
French Press - Coffee is steeped in
a beaker, then gently pressed using a plunger to separate the grounds from the
brewed coffee.
Cold Brew - Coffee beans are steeped
in cold or room temperature water for 12-24 hours to produce a less acidic brew
that can be served hot or over ice.
Iced Coffee - Hot coffee is poured
over ice to cool it down quickly. Cold brew coffee is also often served over
ice.
Specialty Coffee Shops
In the last few decades, specialty
coffee shops have exploded in popularity globally. Chains like Starbucks
introduced coffee drinks beyond traditional drip and espresso and created a
third place experience. Independent cafes focus on high quality, specialty
coffee sourced from small farms. Baristas are trained to pull the perfect shot
and steam milk for elaborate latte art. Customers can enjoy specialty coffees
brewed using pour over, Chemex, or Aeropress methods. Many cafes also offer
food items like pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and salads.
Coffee Culture Today
Today, coffee is enjoyed worldwide as both a daily ritual and a luxury experience. The global coffee market is worth over $80 billion annually. While Americans and Europeans consume the most coffee per capita, coffee culture is growing rapidly in Asia as well. Beyond just the caffeine boost, people gather in coffeehouses to work, socialize, and relax. Home coffee brewing has also become a hobby for many, whether using pour over techniques or high-tech espresso machines. With the rise of specialty coffee, drinkers have become more discerning about sourcing and flavors. Whether it's a morning drip coffee or an an afternoon latte, coffee remains the world's favorite beverage.
