Discovery of Coffee
According to legend, an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi discovered coffee when he noticed his goats becoming energetic after eating the berries from a certain tree. This led to the initial use of coffee as a stimulant.
9th Century
15th Century
Coffee Cultivation in Yemen
Coffee began to be cultivated and traded on the Arabian Peninsula. By the 15th century, it was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia and consumed in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey.
16th Century
Coffee Houses in the Middle East
Coffee houses, known as qahveh khaneh, began to appear in cities across the Near East. These coffee houses quickly became centers of social activity and communication in the major cities of the Middle East.
1615
Introduction to Europe
Coffee was introduced to Europe by Venetian traders. Initially met with suspicion and called the "bitter invention of Satan," coffee quickly gained popularity.
1652
First Coffee House in England
The first coffee house in England was opened in London by Pasqua Rosée. These establishments became known as "penny universities" because for the price of a penny, one could purchase a cup of coffee and engage in stimulating conversation.
1670
Coffee Arrives in America
Coffee was brought to New Amsterdam, later called New York, by the Dutch. Although tea remained the favored drink in the New World, coffee began to grow in popularity.
1720
Coffee Cultivation in the Caribbean
Gabriel de Clieu, a French naval officer, transported a coffee plant to the French Caribbean colony of Martinique, where it thrived. This marked the beginning of coffee cultivation in the Americas.
1773
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party helped shift American preference from tea to coffee. This event was a protest against the British tea tax and contributed to coffee's increasing popularity in America.
1822
Invention of the Espresso Machine
The first crude espresso machine was created in France. This innovation paved the way for the development of modern espresso machines, revolutionizing the way coffee was prepared and consumed.
1901
Instant Coffee Invented
Instant coffee was invented by Japanese-American chemist Satori Kato of Chicago. This invention made coffee more accessible and convenient, further boosting its popularity.
1938
Nescafé Launches
Nestlé launched Nescafé, the first commercially successful instant coffee. This product became immensely popular during World War II due to its convenience and long shelf life.
1971
Starbucks Founded
Starbucks was founded in Seattle, Washington. It grew from a single store to a global coffeehouse chain, significantly influencing coffee culture worldwide.
1987
Third Wave Coffee Movement
The Third Wave Coffee Movement began, emphasizing high-quality coffee, artisanal production, and a deeper appreciation for the coffee-making process. This movement has reshaped coffee culture, focusing on the origins and craftsmanship of coffee.
2000
Fair Trade Certification
Fair Trade certification for coffee was introduced, aiming to ensure that coffee farmers receive fair prices and work under ethical conditions. This initiative has raised awareness about the social and environmental impacts of coffee production.
2020
Sustainable Coffee Practices
Sustainable coffee practices have gained significant traction, with many coffee producers and companies focusing on reducing their environmental footprint and promoting biodiversity. This includes initiatives like shade-grown coffee and carbon-neutral production.
