Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world and has a long and rich history. First discovered in the highlands of Ethiopia in the ninth century – allegedly by a goat herder when he noticed that his goats seemed much livelier after eating the berries from certain plants – coffee is now enjoyed around the world by many people, including Rob Tolley, former London broker.
Cultivation and Trade
Coffee first began to be traded and cultivated on the Arabian Peninsula, and by the 15th century it was being grown in Yemeni. By the time the 16th century arrived coffee was known throughout Egypt, Persia, Turkey and Syria. Word of coffee spread, helped along by the thousands of pilgrims who visited the holy city of Mecca each year; these travellers brought home tales of a new drink, widely known as the ‘wine of Araby’.
Coffee Comes to Europe
Traders and merchants arriving in Europe from the Middle East in the 16th century brought with them the first known coffee plants. Although viewed with mistrust at first, the drink’s energising properties and tempting aroma meant it quickly became popular. Soon, coffee shops (known as ‘penny universities’) sprung up in cities such as Paris, London and Vienna where artists, writers and intellectuals gathered to share ideas, helping to drive the Enlightenment.
Making Coffee Their Own
Each community and nation around the world has embraced coffee into its unique cultural traditions, making the beverage their very own. For example, in Middle Eastern countries coffee is often infused with cardamom as a result of the region’s spice history and its important position on the trade routes. In Vietnam, egg yolks and condensed milk are blended with coffee to create a dessert-like beverage, while in Turkey coffee is ground to a fine powder; the grounds found at the bottom of the drinker’s cup can be used to tell their fortune, a mystical tradition going back centuries.
The Health Benefits of Coffee
The consumption of coffee in moderation has been linked to several key health benefits. Studies have suggested that the antioxidants in the drink could help to combat diseases including Parkinson’s, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s. The caffeine in coffee – as coffee lovers like Rob Tolley can attest – may also enhance concentration, alertness and athletic performance when consumed in moderate amounts.