The significance of coffee worldwide is evident through the benefits it brought to the world's economy, the new social interactions it formed in European coffeehouses, and most importantly it shaped the Christian and Muslim religion.
Origin
In the Ethiopia highlands, where the legend of Kaldi originated, coffee trees grew. There is no certainty of the legend but it is said that coffee was discovered after Kaldi noticed his goats eating berries from a certain tree and became so spirited that they did not want to sleep at night (National Coffee Association USA). He reported his findings to the abbot of the local monastery who made a drink with the berries and discovered that it kept him alert for the long hours of evening prayer. Ever so slowly knowledge of the energizing effects of the berries began to spread. As word moved east and coffee reached the Arabian peninsula, it began a journey which would spread its reputation across the globe (National Coffee Association USA).
Past, Present, and Future of Coffee
History
In the 15th century, coffee was first produced in Ethiopia, but by the 17th century it had reached a European port by trade of African goods. When coffee was introduced to Europeans there was a variety of opinions, however, the exotic drink still caught on like wildfire.