Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, but its origins are shrouded in legend. In this article, we briefly distinguish what is known for certain and what is merely a beautiful story.
In Brief
- The coffee plant originated in the Ethiopian highlands.
- The earliest reliable evidence of coffee drinking dates to the mid-15th century among Sufi monks in Yemen.
- The famous story of the Kaldi shepherd is most likely a legend: it was first recorded only in 1671.
- Coffee reached Europe via Venice's trade routes in the 16th century, and the first European coffeehouse opened in Venice in 1647.
The Legend of Kaldi the Goatherd
The most popular story tells of an Ethiopian goatherd who noticed that his goats became unusually lively after eating red berries. After trying the berries himself, he felt a burst of energy and brought them to a nearby monastery. It is said that the monks threw the berries into the fire, and the aroma that wafted out intrigued them so much that they made the first beverage from the roasted beans.
It is a beautiful story, but historians consider it apocryphal: it does not appear before 1671, and the shepherd's name, Kaldi, is believed to have emerged even later. There are other legends as well, for example, about Sheikh Omar.
What We Know for Certain: Yemen, 15th Century
The earliest reliable evidence of coffee drinking dates to the Sufi communities of Yemen in the mid-15th century. They roasted the beans and brewed them similarly to how we prepare coffee today, and the beverage helped them stay awake during nighttime religious rituals. The beans were brought to Yemen from the Ethiopian highlands and began to be grown there. The region's port of Mocha later became known worldwide as a coffee trading center.
From Yemen to the Near East
In the 16th century, coffee reached the rest of the Near East and North Africa. Coffeehouses became places to meet, talk, and play games—a role they continue to play in their communities today. Although coffee drinking was attempted to be restricted in some cities, it continued to spread. According to popular lore, the Sufi Baba Budan took the first coffee seeds from Yemen to India—thus taking coffee cultivation beyond the borders of Arabia.
Coffee in Europe
Coffee reached Europe via trade routes connecting Venice with North Africa and Egypt. The first European coffeehouse opened in Venice in 1647, and from there coffee spread across the continent. Later, coffee plants began to be grown beyond the borders of Europe and Asia, especially in the Americas. Today, Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, while specialty coffee is mostly grown in Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, and other countries along the equator.
Why This Matters for Your Cup
The country of origin determines the flavor of the coffee in your cup. Ethiopian coffees are often floral and fruity, while South American coffees are chocolatey and nutty. Want to experience this difference for yourself? Try Ethiopia Djimmah and Colombia Supremo and compare them. You can find all origins in the Coffee Beans collection.
If you are still considering what to choose, read how coffee beans and ground coffee differ, or take a short quiz and find out which coffee is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did coffee come from? The coffee plant originated in the Ethiopian highlands, and the earliest reliable evidence of coffee drinking was found in Yemen in the 15th century.
Is it true that coffee was discovered by a goatherd? This is a popular legend, but it has no historical evidence.
When did coffee arrive in Europe? In the 16th century, via Venice's trade routes. The first European coffeehouse operated in Venice from 1647.
