The mystery of the coffee bean: The identity of the first discoverer revealed

The mystery of the coffee bean: The identity of the first discoverer revealed

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and coffee beans are the key ingredient in making coffee. However, have you ever wondered who first discovered coffee beans? In this article, we will uncover this fascinating mystery.

Arabian legend

According to an Arab legend, in the 9th century AD, there was a shepherd named Kaldi on the Ethiopian plateau. One morning, he noticed that the sheep he was watching over were unusually active and kept eating a kind of red fruit. Curiosity drove Kaldi to try the fruit and found that it had the effects of refreshing the mind, increasing energy and focusing attention.

However, there is no solid evidence in the historical record that Calder was the first person to discover coffee beans and use them to make a beverage. Although this story has been widely circulated and is part of many versions of the origin and discovery of coffee, it remains just a legend.

Early Documents

To trace the true discoverer of coffee beans, we need to look at early written records. The earliest reference to coffee beans dates back to the 15th century. During this period, descriptions of coffee and coffee beans began to appear in books in the Arab region and around Ethiopia.

One important work is the Muqaddimah (Historical Prologue) written by the Arab scholar Ibn Haldun in the late 14th century. In this book, he mentions a plant called "bubakr" and describes its fruit as having an invigorating effect when made into a drink.

Ottoman Empire

Over time, coffee spread to the Ottoman Empire (today's Turkey) and beyond, and it is believed that the first coffee house specializing in coffee drinks opened near Yamenit Square in the early 16th century.

However, the identity of the first person to discover coffee beans and use them in a beverage remains a mystery. During this period, coffee became an integral part of social and cultural life in the Ottoman Empire. Although there are many legends and stories associated with the origins of coffee, there is no solid evidence to prove any of them.

Modern Research

In recent years, with the advancement of science and technology and the improvement of historical research methods, it has become possible to explore the identity of the discoverer of coffee beans in more depth. Some scholars have speculated by examining early documents, geographical location, botanical characteristics and other factors.

According to these research results, a plant called "Bubaker" grows wild on the Ethiopian plateau, and it produces fruits similar to what we call "coffee beans" today. Therefore, some people believe that the first person to discover and use this plant to make a drink may be a local resident or tribe with herbal knowledge and practical experience.

in conclusion

Although we can’t be sure who exactly discovered the coffee bean, we can be sure that coffee has played an important role in history and has become a favorite beverage for people around the world. Whoever first discovered it, they brought us this delightful and energizing drink.

By studying early documents, examining historical records, and making scientific inferences, we can better understand the people and events involved in the origin and spread of coffee beans. Although the identity of the first discoverer may always remain an unsolved mystery, this does not affect our love and pursuit of coffee culture and coffee making skills.