Coffee Part I: The Coffee Story
The coffee story
Coffee is one of the most revered beverages in human history. The first documentation of widespread use dates back to the 15th century, but there are also legendary stories dating back to as early as the 9th century in Ethiopia, where it originated.
As the coffee story goes, a local goat herder found his goats to be more playful and energized when eating the fruits from the native “coffee” plants. Needless to say, the energized goats did not go unnoticed. The animated animals caught the attention of a local monk who gathered the fruits the goats were nibbling on. He then roasted and brewed the fruits, and after a few sips, he noticed an energy enhancement within himself, and thus, coffee was born.
Since then, coffee has become one of the most beloved drinks of all time. In fact, coffee is the second-largest import in the world, second only to oil. Over 150 million Americans consume coffee daily. The average American spends $1,092 a year on coffee — that’s around $20 a week. But coffee as we know it has had quite a long journey to get where it is today.
History of coffee timeline
The history of coffee timeline begins with the appreciation for its almost instantaneous energy and cognitive boosts. However, the stimulating effects have not always been appreciated. Thousands of years ago, coffee was banned for encouraging radical thinking in Mecca and Cairo. In Italy, Italian clergymen banned coffee for being considered 'satanic.' However, with the help of the Catholic Church, Pope Clement VII lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600.
Even in England, where coffee was a beverage for 'enlightenment,' Charles II tried to condemn the famous coffee houses where intensive religious and political discussions ensued. Even as recently as the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia like coffee cups illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
Coffee in present day
Today, coffee is widely enjoyed around the world. And, we have thousands of scientific studies showing the health benefits of coffee, which often confirm what was touted back in the 15th century. Historical findings note that a brew mixing coffee beans, mashed berries, healthy fats, and hot water, was often used for medicinal purposes.
While in today's world, coffee is mainly roasted and brewed as a warm jump-start to the day, or even as an iced beverage to cool down, there are far more benefits to drinking a cup of joe than just its energy-boosting properties.
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