15 January 2026 - A Quick History of Coffee

From Ancient Hills to Modern Cups: A Brief History of Coffee

Coffee is more than a beverage. It is a ritual, a social glue, a source of comfort, and for many of us, a daily non-negotiable. Yet behind every cup lies a story that stretches across continents and centuries—one shaped by chance discoveries, trade routes, revolutions, and human connection.

At Beans About Coffee, we believe that understanding coffee’s past deepens our appreciation of its flavour, craft, and cultural meaning. So, let us take a journey back to where it all began.

The Legendary Origins: Ethiopia and the Birth of Coffee

The story of coffee is traditionally traced to the highlands of Ethiopia, where coffee is believed to have grown wild as early as the 9th century. Legend speaks of a goat herder named Kaldi who noticed his goats behaving unusually energetically after eating red berries from a particular shrub. Curious, he tried them himself—and experienced the same invigorating effect.

While the tale is likely apocryphal, what is certain is that coffee played a role in Ethiopian society long before it was known elsewhere. Early forms of coffee were not brewed as we know them today; instead, the cherries were chewed or mixed with animal fat to create energy-rich snacks. Over time, the seeds inside the cherries—what we now call coffee beans—became central to preparation methods that resemble modern brewing.

Even today, Ethiopia’s traditional coffee ceremony reflects this deep cultural heritage, emphasising patience, hospitality, and respect.

From Africa to Arabia: Coffee Finds Its Voice

By the 15th century, coffee had crossed the Red Sea into the Arabian Peninsula, particularly Yemen. It was here that coffee began to resemble the drink we recognise today. The beans were roasted and brewed, producing a dark, aromatic beverage known as qahwa.

Coffee quickly became associated with intellectual life. It was consumed by scholars, poets, and religious communities who valued its ability to sharpen focus during long nights of study and prayer. Coffeehouses—known as qahveh khaneh—emerged as vibrant social spaces where ideas, news, and debate flowed as freely as the drink itself.

These coffeehouses were so influential that they were sometimes viewed with suspicion by authorities, earning coffee the nickname “the wine of Islam” due to its social power rather than its effects.

Coffee Reaches Europe: Controversy and Curiosity

Coffee arrived in Europe in the 17th century via trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire with Venice. Initially, it was met with scepticism. Some considered it a strange and bitter drink; others viewed it as morally questionable. The controversy was so strong that Pope Clement VIII was reportedly asked to condemn coffee—but after tasting it, he instead gave it his approval.

Once accepted, coffee spread rapidly across Europe. Coffeehouses opened in major cities such as London, Paris, and Vienna, becoming hubs for commerce, politics, and culture. In England, they were known as “penny universities,” because for the price of a cup of coffee, one could engage in stimulating conversation and hear the latest ideas.

Coffee soon replaced beer and wine as the preferred morning drink, subtly reshaping European work culture by promoting alertness and productivity.

Expansion and Exploitation: Coffee Goes Global

As demand grew, European colonial powers sought to cultivate coffee beyond Arabia. Coffee plants were smuggled out of Yemen and introduced to Asia, the Caribbean, and South America. This expansion turned coffee into a global commodity—but not without cost.

Large-scale plantations relied heavily on enslaved and exploited labour, particularly in the Americas. While coffee fuelled economic growth and global trade, it also became intertwined with systems of inequality that still influence the industry today.

Understanding this history is essential. It reminds us that modern coffee culture carries both richness and responsibility.

The Modern Era: Craft, Quality, and Conscious Coffee

The 20th century saw coffee become a household staple worldwide, often prioritising convenience over quality. However, recent decades have brought a renewed focus on craftsmanship, origin, and ethical sourcing.

Today’s coffee drinkers care deeply about where their coffee comes from, how it is grown, and who grows it. Single-origin beans, lighter roasts, and transparent supply chains have reconnected consumers with coffee’s agricultural roots.

At Beans About Coffee, this philosophy resonates strongly. Every cup is not just about taste, but about honouring the journey—from soil to seed, from farmer to roaster, from barista to customer.