A Little Coffee History

850 CE

In Arabia, it is said that a individual tasted the berries of the evergreen bush. He did this based on the observation that his goats would eat this and be very energized. Once he tried this he noted feeling exhilarated and socialized his discovery to others.

15th to 17th Century

In the 15th century wild coffee plants from Ethiopia were transported to southern Arabia to be planted and harvested. In the 15th to 16th centuries the first coffeehouses were opened, known as qahveh khanehs, in Constantinople (Istanbul). In the 16th and 17th centuries the coffee trends were sweeping through many European countries. It wasn’t until the 17th century that other major sources of coffee started to rise. Before then the majority of the coffee supply came from Yemen. Coffeehouses popularity rose in the late 17th century spreading to British colonies in America, and other areas in the continental Europe.

1825

In 1825, the Hawaiian Islands began to cultivate their own coffee crops and created a new area of Hawaiian agriculture.

1950

Instant coffee was developed and perfected. Due to this new demand Africa’s less expensive Robusta bean was in demand.

20th Century

By the 20th century Brazil was a main producer of coffee beans. Due to technology advancements roasting and grinding became popular. New vacuum-sealed containers for grounds also extended the shelf life of coffee. Decaffeination processes became more advanced for green coffee beans.