The History of Coffee: From Ancient Forests to Global Obsession

The Origins of Coffee: From Myth to Reality

The story of coffee begins with a legend from Ethiopia. A young goatherd named Kaldi, around 850 CE, observed his goats behaving unusually energetic after eating red berries from a wild plant. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced the same liveliness. This folklore is often referenced when asking who invented coffee, even though the actual origins of coffee predate written history. While Kaldi’s story may be symbolic, Ethiopia is widely accepted as the region where coffee beans came from, offering humanity its first taste of caffeine’s stimulating effects.

Coffee Origins in the Forests of Ethiopia

Though we may never know precisely when coffee was invented, it is clear that before the 1400s, people in ancient Ethiopia began foraging wild coffee in forest undergrowth. These early users didn’t brew coffee as we do today. They made tea from the leaves, mixed the berries with butter for nourishment, and created energizing drinks by drying and simmering the cherries. This early use of coffee plants laid the foundation for the origins of coffee, showcasing the diverse ways people valued caffeine long before the modern roast-and-brew methods emerged.

From Sacred Rituals to Cultural Staples

Coffee’s transformation from a local Ethiopian energizer to a global phenomenon began in the 15th century. A Sufi leader returning from Ethiopia introduced coffee to religious communities in Yemen. The energizing properties of the beverage enhanced spiritual chanting and meditation. It was in Yemen where people began drying, roasting, and brewing the beans, giving rise to a bolder beverage. The coffee history became tied to Islamic culture, where coffeehouses near mosques flourished as social hubs. This phase marks when coffee became popular across the Middle East, particularly within the expanding Ottoman Empire.

The Coffee Controversy and Islamic World

Despite its growing popularity, coffee wasn't always welcome. In 1511, coffee was put on trial by a religious court in Mecca. Authorities questioned whether Muslims should drink it, fearing its effects could be intoxicating or disruptive. But scholars eventually ruled it permissible. This moment in the history of coffee illustrates how the drink’s acceptance varied, often tied to social, spiritual, and political climates. The ruling led to the opening of countless coffeehouses across Damascus, Istanbul, and beyond.

When Did Coffee Come to Europe?

As global trade expanded, so did the reach of coffee. So, when did coffee come to Europe? The answer lies in the 17th century, when coffee first reached the continent through Ottoman trade routes. By the 1650s, London had its first coffeehouse. By 1663, over eighty such establishments dotted the city. These spaces were not just for drinking—they served as intellectual salons where people debated, read, and networked. Despite an attempted ban by King Charles II in 1675, coffeehouses flourished. These moments are central to understanding the history coffee and its deep roots in European intellectual life.

Coffee, Mocha, and the Age of Empire

Back in Yemen, the port of Al-Makha (later known as Mocha) became a major export hub for coffee, giving rise to the term “Mocha coffee.” The rise of Mocha marked the commercialization of coffee origin stories. As demand grew, European empires established plantations across their colonies in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. But this economic growth came at a human cost. The cultivation of coffee relied on enslaved and exploited workers. Forests were cleared, and Indigenous people displaced—all to meet the rising global thirst for the beverage. The coffee history during this period reveals both the cultural rise of coffee and the dark realities behind its production.

The Rise of Specialty Coffee

In recent decades, there has been a shift toward specialty coffees, emphasizing ethical sourcing, quality beans, and artisan brewing methods. Farms in East Africa and Central America gained renewed attention for their rich flavor profiles and sustainable practices. Yet, despite progress, many coffee workers still endure harsh conditions and low wages. Ethical certifications have attempted to address these concerns, but the global coffee economy remains complex. Modern appreciation for coffee often masks the struggles behind its production—reminding us that coffee origins are deeply tied to both culture and conflict.

Climate Change and the Uncertain Future

As climate change accelerates, the future of coffee is uncertain. The equatorial “Bean Belt” or "Coffee Belt" where coffee thrives is shrinking due to rising temperatures and extreme weather. Researchers are exploring hybrid plants and alternative farming practices to protect the coffee history from collapse. Preserving coffee origin regions has become critical to safeguarding the beverage that powers billions of lives daily. Whether in a Paris café, an American office, or an Ethiopian ceremony, coffee remains one of the most culturally unifying drinks of all time.