How Far Does Coffee Date Back? (Solved & Explained!)

The initial discovery of coffee berries and their energizing qualities dates back to 700 A.D, however, the coffee you know and love today dates back to around the 15th century when coffee beans were first exported out of Ethiopia. 

The history of today’s second-largest traded commodity in the world, the coffee bean, has a tumultuous history that spanned across many countries over many centuries. Below we have compiled the history of Coffee and how far it dates back. 

When was Coffee First Discovered?

Although the specifics remain elusive to coffee historians, it is generally agreed that the discovery came sometime in 700 A.D which was about 1300 years ago. The coffee we know and love today comes from the ancient coffee forest on the Ethiopian Plateau. 

Coffee comes from the Coffee plant – a large bush-like plant that is known to grow to several feet tall. These plants tend to grow best in warmer climates and so thrive in the rich soil and warm temperature of northern Africa. 

Where is Coffee Originally From?

There are many theories on who discovered Coffee and what it was originally used for, theories that historians are hard-pressed to prove or disprove due to the lack of record surrounding this prolific drink. However, there is a more widely accepted theory above all else. 

The original discovery of Coffee is traced back to the eastern highlands of Ethiopia along a stretch of land called the Ethiopian Plateau. Within this plateau, a large forest of Coffee Plants grew into a coffee forest that had been around for centuries before Coffee was initially discovered. 

Who used Coffee first? 

As the story goes, an Ethiopian goat herder by the name of Kaldi, observed strange and erratic behavior in his goats after they consumed the red berries from the Coffee Tree. His discovery led to him bringing the berries to the local monks who used the berries to stay awake during prayer. 

Another way the story goes is that the monks were wary of the fruit at first and believed it to be demonic, so they threw the fruit into the fire. However, as the beans roasted, and the aroma filled the monastery, they were drawn to try the drink – which quickly became a staple for them. 

Who thought to use Coffee beans in a drink? 

More extensively proven records trace the use of Coffee beans in the drink form we know and love today to the 15th century in the nearby country of Yemen. After coffee beans were traded across the strait between Ethiopia and Yemen, monasteries were the first to brew the coffee we drink today.

However, since the journey of coffee has been erratic and records weren’t kept as well back centuries ago, we can only speculate as to who came up with the idea of brewing roasted coffee beans. 

What was Coffee originally used for?

Coffee was originally used by monks to stay awake during long nights of prayer. This method of use was recorded for both Ethiopian and Yemen monks and this useful drink spread across the nation’s monasteries like wildfire. 

Another useful reason that the monks took to liking this drink was because of the energizing qualities that help them to focus while conducting their daily tasks. And of course, since coffee is wildly addictive, the monks couldn’t stop drinking the delicious drink. 

When did Coffee become popular? 

Because of the caffeine found within coffee that not only boosted energy levels and concentration but is also a known addictive substance, many people quickly became reliant on the stimulant. This inherent addiction drove coffee to become highly sought out in any country it was in.

After its discovery on the plains of Ethiopia, the coffee bean would then make its way through Yemen to the middle east, then to the Meditteranean, then to the rest of Europe sometime in the 16th century. From Europe coffee would travel to the new world. 

When did Coffee become the drink we know today?

As coffee mania spread across most of the known world, the methods of brewing also changed with every location that picked up the highly sought-after drink. No longer were people simply brewing the coffee berries like the original monks who used the coffee plant. 

Many new brewing methods became popular; with the invention of the French coffee press and the espresso machine, coffee became to take on a new form. And along with the evolving coffee drink came new breweries and coffee houses that began to pop up in every city. 

Why do People love coffee? 

No matter where you live or what your occupation is, coffee is likely a staple part of your daily routine – an estimated 400 billion cups are consumed by people every year. The reason that Coffee has become so popular can be traced to its most prevalent property: Caffeine.

Caffeine found within coffee has two effects on the human body – it helps increase blood flow, thus energizing the body, however, it is also an addictive substance that the body learns to depend on. This has made Coffee a particularly loved drink in today’s world. 

Where does Coffee mainly come from today?

Throughout the extensive journey of the coffee bean, many countries have attempted to grow and foster their very own grove of Coffee plants. Unfortunately, to no avail. Most attempts failed due to Coffee plants needing a very specific, temperate environment. 

One country that has managed to produce the perfect conditions for Coffee growing in Brazil. Coffee was originally introduced to Brazil in the 1700s, and since then, the country has grown to be one of the main distributors in today’s inflated coffee market. 

Who drinks the Most Coffee?

The answer is surprising. The country that consumes the most cups of coffee per day per person in Finland. On average, one Finnish person will drink four cups of coffee per day. It is even mandated that Finnish workers are given two 10 minute coffee breaks per day.