FAQ About Coffee
Where does coffee come from?
Coffee is believed to have originated in the region known today as Ethiopia, specifically in the southwestern part of the country. Legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the stimulating effects of coffee when he noticed his goats becoming energetic after consuming the red berries of a certain plant. This plant turned out to be coffee.
From its origins in Ethiopia, coffee cultivation and consumption spread to the Arabian Peninsula, particularly Yemen, where it gained popularity. The Arab traders were instrumental in spreading coffee to different parts of the world during their journeys. By the 15th and 16th centuries, coffee had reached various regions of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire.
In the 17th century, coffee was introduced to Europe through trade routes and gained significant popularity, leading to the establishment of the first coffeehouses in cities like Venice, London, and Paris. From there, coffee cultivation expanded to European colonies and across the globe, including the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Today, coffee is grown in numerous countries located within the "coffee belt," which spans the equatorial regions of the globe between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Major coffee-producing countries include Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Honduras, and many others. Each region's unique climate, soil, and altitude contribute to the distinctive characteristics and flavors of the coffee grown there.
