Where Did Coffee Come From? The Origins and History of Coffe
At The Church of Coffee, we believe every cup has a story. Coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual, a culture, and a connection that has traveled across centuries. If you’ve ever wondered where coffee came from, here’s the journey of how this powerful little bean became one of the world’s favorite drinks.
Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee
The legend begins in Ethiopia in the 9th century. A goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats dancing with energy after eating red cherries from a wild plant. Curious, he tried them himself and felt the same boost. Monks soon began using coffee to stay awake during prayers【NCAUSA†source】.
Ethiopia remains the spiritual home of coffee, where heirloom beans are still grown and celebrated【BBC†source】.
From Ethiopia to Arabia
By the 1400s, coffee spread across the Red Sea into Yemen. There, it was cultivated and traded through the port city of Mocha (the origin of the famous name). Sufi mystics used coffee during long nights of meditation【Smithsonian†source】.
Coffeehouses, called qahveh khaneh, opened throughout the Middle East. These weren’t just places to drink—they became centers of music, debate, and culture【Britannica†source】.
Coffee Arrives in Europe
Coffee reached Europe in the 1600s through Venetian traders. At first, it was seen with suspicion—some even called it “the bitter invention of Satan.” But after Pope Clement VIII declared it blessed, coffee quickly spread across the continent【NCAUSA†source】.
In England, coffeehouses were nicknamed “penny universities,” because for the price of a cup, people could join lively debates about politics, art, and philosophy【Smithsonian†source】.
Global Expansion
European powers soon began cultivating coffee in colonies worldwide. The Dutch planted it in Java (Indonesia), the French in the Caribbean, and the Portuguese in Brazil. By the 18th century, Brazil had become the largest coffee producer—a title it still holds today【Britannica†source】.
But coffee’s global rise was not without hardship. The crop spread through colonialism, and its expansion relied heavily on enslaved and indigenous labor【Pendergrast, Uncommon Grounds】.
Coffee Today
Today, coffee is one of the most beloved drinks on Earth, fueling mornings and conversations everywhere. From Ethiopian coffee ceremonies to Italian espresso bars, its journey has shaped cultures and communities around the globe【BBC†source】.
At The Church of Coffee, we honor that story with every blend we roast. Every sip connects us to history—and to each other.
👉 Ready to taste the history in your cup? Shop our blends today and bring centuries of tradition home.
📚 Sources
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Pendergrast, Mark. Uncommon Grounds. Basic Books, 2010.