The origins of coffee go back to Ethiopia, in East Africa, where the first evidence of its consumption dates back to the 9th century.

Here's an overview of the history of coffee:

Legend of discovery: A popular Ethiopian legend tells the story of Kaldi, a shepherd, who observed that his goats became very active and energetic after eating berries from a certain shrub. Intrigued, Kaldi tasted the berries himself and felt a sensation of vitality. He shared his discovery with local monks, who began using the berries to combat fatigue during their nightly prayers.

Cultivation and spread: Coffee consumption then spread to the Arabian region, where the coffee berries were chewed or used to make a drink. Coffee became popular because of its stimulating effects on energy and concentration. Information about coffee was passed down orally until it was finally documented in writing in the 15th century.

Discovered by Arab merchants: Arab merchants trading along the Red Sea routes discovered coffee during their travels in Ethiopia. They began exporting coffee beans to other regions, notably the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt.

Cafés and coffee houses: In the 16th century, specific establishments called ‘qahveh khaneh’ were set up in Arab towns, serving coffee to customers. These places became social and intellectual meeting places, where people gathered to chat, play games and exchange ideas. These early cafés played a key role in the spread of coffee culture.

Spread in Europe: In the 17th century, coffee was introduced to Europe by European merchants and travellers. The first European cafés opened in Venice, Italy, and then spread to other major European cities. Cafés quickly became intellectual meeting places, encouraging philosophical and political discussions.

Colonisation and commercial production: In the 18th century, the European colonial powers began to grow coffee in their colonies, particularly in the Americas, South-East Asia and Africa. Coffee plantations were established and coffee became an important cash crop.

Today, coffee is one of the most popular and widely consumed beverages in the world. It is grown in many countries, including Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia and Ethiopia. Different coffee varieties, preparation methods and tasting traditions exist in different regions, contributing to the richness and diversity of coffee culture around the world.