Last Updated on October 1, 2023
Coffee is a worldwide popular beverage, brewed from the roasted and grounded seeds of the Coffea plant’s fruits. It is also a profitable international commodity, although it didn’t just start as such.
Coffee has a humble origin of being a rare delicacy in Ethiopia, but today it is available globally. Its evolution is a journey of cultural and economic transformation.
This article will examine the rise of coffee, its fascinating history, and how it has shaped global trade and economics.
History of Coffee
Let’s have a glimpse at the brief history of coffee – where it came from, how it grew to fame, its cultivation, and more.
Coffee’s Origin and Early Consumption
Most accounts pin the origin of the coffee plant back to Ethiopia, though there is no historical evidence of this. The earliest proof of human coffee consumption dates back to the 1500s when Yemenite mystics began using it during their religious ceremonies to stay awake.
Later, coffee appeared in what is today Saudi Arabia and Egypt. From there, it spread across the entire Middle East.
One of the most exciting origin stories involves a man named Omar, a Sufi disciple. He was exiled into the desert, and while on the verge of giving up, he stumbled upon the beans. After boiling them, he discovered that the water had become an excellently-tasting beverage that actually saved him. The legend says that when people found out about the drink he had discovered, he was revered and made a saint.
Coffee and the Age of Exploration
Özdemir Pasha from Istanbul, the governor of Yemen, had the opportunity to try coffee and grew to love it. Soon after, coffee caught the attention of the famous Ottoman ruler, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. It became such a popular and significant beverage in the courts that the role of Chief Coffee Maker was soon a mainstay.
The people who filled this role were loyal and tight-lipped, and many ended up as Grand Viziers (whose power was second only to the sultan).
Drinking coffee at home became a daily routine. However, people also visited shops to drink coffee, engage in conversation, gossip, and listen to music. The first coffee house in the world was founded in 1475 in Constantinople, now known as Istanbul.
The rumor of this “Araby wine” began to spread worldwide as pilgrims visited Mecca each year.
Coffee’s Expansion and Cultivation
Coffee was highly prized as a rare delicacy in its early days. It was well-known among European travelers who found it intriguing. Coffee expanded to Europe in the 17th century and quickly gained popularity.
Coffee started its European journey from Italy, where Venetian merchants imported it from the Ottoman Empire.
The first coffeehouse is said to have appeared in 1632 in Livorno or in 1640 in Venice. It became a popular beverage, especially among the wealthy.
The spread of coffee cultivation surged in the early 1700s when the Dutch gave the French a sapling they transported from their crops in Java. A Portuguese sailor brought coffee to Brazil from French Guiana right after. This period marked a pivotal turning point in coffee’s journey, transitioning from a prized luxury to a potentially-affordable global commodity.
Coffee and the Industrial Revolution
During the industrial revolution, coffee played an essential role as a popular beverage among the workforce. It kept workers awake and alert, especially factory laborers working long hours.
Its demand increased as it became an important part of daily life. These factors contributed to its status as a stimulant for productivity.
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Coffee as a Global Commodity of Trade and Economics
Coffee has become one of the most traded commodities in the world and has attained massive global consumption rates.
Today, not only can you enjoy a fantastic cup of coffee anywhere, but you can also trade it on the futures market. It is traded on the NYMEX exchange under the symbol KT.
The rise of coffee exchanges and futures markets has enabled standardized trading and hedging strategies for the producers and buyers of coffee. The cultivation of coffee has become a lucrative business, especially in regions with favorable climates.
Conclusion
Coffee’s exciting journey from a rare delicacy in Ethiopia to becoming a global commodity highlights its cultural and economic significance.
It became an integral part of life as it spread worldwide, from religious events to serving as a stimulant to the workforce during the industrial revolution. Today, it is among the world’s most traded commodities and a beloved beverage many people enjoy.
