Coffee is high on many people's list of favorite drinks. Over two billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day. This makes coffee the second most consumed beverage after water. But where did coffee originally come from and how did it develop into a beverage that is now indispensable for many people? In this article, we explain the origins and journey of coffee.
Arabica coffee has its roots in the high-altitude regions of Ethiopia, which are considered the true birthplace of coffee. This region, known as Kaffa, offers the ideal climate and perfect conditions for growing the prized coffee plant, Coffea Arabica. Amidst this lush landscape, the coffee plants thrive and produce the coveted coffee cherries that make up the unmistakable taste of Arabica coffee. One of the most fascinating myths about the discovery of coffee is about Kaldi, an Ethiopian goatherd from the 9th century. Kaldi noticed that his goats were energetic and lively after eating the red coffee cherries. Legend has it that the curious shepherd tried the fruit himself and immediately felt an invigorating effect. He then took the cherries to monks, who boiled the leaves and coffee cherries in water. This brew quickly became a valuable means of increasing alertness during their prayers. According to another legend, goat dung was used as fuel. The coffee beans contained in it burned and a pleasant aroma spread.
The discovery of coffee led to a remarkable spread of its consumption over the centuries. In the 15th century, coffee began to be cultivated in Yemen and exported to the Islamic world, particularly to Mecca and Cairo. In the 16th century, coffee found its way to the Ottoman Empire and later to Europe, where the first coffee houses were opened in cities such as Venice, Paris and London. These places quickly became cultural meeting places where people could enjoy the delicious smell and unmistakable taste of freshly roasted coffee beans.
In the 18th century, European colonial powers contributed to the spread of coffee cultivation in Central and South America, making countries such as Brazil and Colombia the largest producers of Arabica coffee, which they still are today. The Robusta bean, known as Coffea canephora, also plays an important role in global coffee cultivation. This type of coffee, which thrives at lower altitudes, is characterized by its strong, full-bodied taste and higher caffeine content, which makes it particularly popular with espresso drinkers.
Today, coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and is of immense economic importance. The coffee beans, which are grown and harvested in different countries, come from a variety of growing regions with different climatic conditions. For example, Arabica beans grow in the high altitudes of Costa Rica, where the mild climate and nutrient-rich soil provide ideal conditions for cultivation. Meanwhile, Robusta beans often thrive in other countries such as Vietnam, where the conditions for these robust plants are optimal. Opinions are divided as to which beans make the best coffee.
In the 2023/2024 harvest year, an impressive 180 million bags of green coffee were harvested, which equates to almost 10 billion kilograms of green coffee. These figures illustrate not only the popularity of the beverage, but also the fascinating journey that the coffee bean has made from the high-altitude regions of Ethiopia to our cups of coffee. The different regions of origin of coffee have a significant influence. Depending on this, the same coffee drinks can taste different. Over the centuries, coffee cultivation has developed into a globally valued product. The high quality of coffee is not only determined by the origin of the beans, but the variety, cultivation, processing method and roasting also play a decisive role.
According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), over 2.5 billion people worldwide drink a cup of coffee every day. This shows that coffee is not only a luxury drink, but also plays an important role in the daily lives of many people. The largest consumers of coffee are countries such as the United States of America, Brazil and Germany, where coffee is seen as an indispensable element of culture and social life.
In addition, coffee cultivation is a major economic sector in many developing countries. An estimated 125 million people around the world are directly or indirectly involved in the coffee industry, from the small farmers who grow and harvest the beans to the baristas who prepare the finished beverages.
The diversity of coffee varieties and preparation methods, which are characterized by a wide range of aromas and tastes, has led to coffee becoming a true cultural asset. Whether enjoying a strong espresso in a café or a cozy get-together at home with a cup of filter coffee - coffee cultivation is not only important for the economy, but also connects people all over the world. Coffee is no longer just a drink, but a global symbol of community, hospitality and enjoyment.
