The discovery of coffee beans: mankind's first encounter with aromatic black liquor

Humankind’s first encounter with aromatic black liquor

Coffee beans, this tiny seed, carries the human pursuit of deliciousness and excitement. It is a magical plant that originated from the Ethiopian Plateau in Africa. After thousands of years of spread and evolution, it has formed a unique and diverse coffee culture around the world. However, the first encounter between humans and the fragrant black liquor is an accidental and beautiful story.

Originated from legend

According to legend, coffee beans were discovered by an Ethiopian shepherd named Kaldi Sheikh Ali Darghilebi in the 9th century. He noticed that his goats became unusually active and unable to sleep at night after eating certain red berries. Curious, he tasted the berries and felt more energetic and cheerful than ever before.

With this discovery, Kaldi began to bring these miracle berries back home, where he tasted them with his family and used them in cooking. Word of the miraculous effect soon spread, sparking the interest and curiosity of people around him. From then on, coffee beans began to spread across the Ethiopian plateau.

From Mystery to Globalization

As time went on, coffee beans were discovered to have more potential. People began to roast, grind and brew them into a fragrant black liquor. Not only did it bring pleasure and energy, it also became a vehicle for social, cultural and artistic exchange.

In the 13th century, coffee beans were introduced to the Middle East by Arab merchants and quickly became popular there. Then, in the 16th century, they were further spread to European countries through Turkey and were loved by nobles and intellectuals.

It was the exploration and colonization of Africa, Asia, and America during the European colonial period that further spread coffee beans around the world. The climate, soil, and cultivation methods of different regions have gradually led to the formation of a variety of coffee beans and flavors.

The evolution of coffee culture

As coffee beans spread around the world, each region has gradually formed a unique and rich coffee culture. From the strong espresso of Italy to the elegant and delicate latte of France, to the rich and mellow Americano of the United States, each flavor represents a different region and cultural background.

In addition to different tastes, people also have their own unique and deeply rooted habits when drinking coffee. For example, in the eyes of Italians, drinking a cup of espresso is an indispensable ritual to start a new day; while in Turkey, there is a saying of "poetry in a cup", believing that the future can be predicted after the last sip.

Conclusion

From the shepherd who accidentally discovered the small seed on the African plateau thousands of years ago to the fact that it has become one of the most popular drinks in the world, the discovery and spread of coffee beans has not only changed people's pursuit of deliciousness and excitement, but also enriched the culture and exchanges of various regions. Whether it is enjoying the pleasure of a cup of fragrant coffee when waking up in the morning, or feeling the warmth and closeness when sharing a cup of latte with friends in the afternoon, coffee has become an indispensable part of our lives.