Coffee, loved by billions around the world, is much more than just a stimulating drink. It has a rich history and a fascinating variety of types. Let's go on a journey through time and discover the story of coffee.
The history of coffee: from Ethiopia to the world
Legend tells of an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi, who discovered the effects of coffee when he noticed his goats dancing excitedly after eating certain red berries. This is where the recorded history of coffee began:
- 15th century: Coffee spreads from Ethiopia to Yemen and the rest of the Arabian Peninsula.
- 16th century: coffee reaches Persia, Turkey, North Africa and Europe.
- 17th century: The first coffee houses were opened in Europe.
- 18th century: The Dutch begin to cultivate coffee in their colonies, including Indonesia.
Main types of coffee
There are two main types of coffee beans:
- Arabica:
- Origin: Ethiopia
- Taste: delicate and complex, with a pleasant acidity
- Makes up 60-70% of global production
- Grows at altitudes of 600-2000 meters above sea level
- Robusta:
- Origin: West and Central Africa
- Taste: stronger and more bitter, with a higher caffeine content
- More resistant to diseases and insects
- Grows at lower altitudes
Special coffee varieties
- Kofi Luak
- Origin: Indonesia
- Known as the most expensive coffee in the world
- Produced from beans that have been digested by an animal called a civet
- Jamaica's Blue Mountain:
- Considered one of the finest coffee shops in the world
- Raised in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica
- Geisha:
- Origin: Ethiopia, but famous for growing it in Panama
- Known for its delicate and floral taste
Coffee processing
- Picking: the cherries are picked by hand or by machine.
- Processing:
- Wet process: the fruit is removed and the beans undergo fermentation before drying.
- Dry process: the cherries are dried in the sun before removing the skin.
- Roasting: the beans are roasted at different temperatures to create different flavors.
- Grinding: the beans are ground to different degrees depending on the cooking method.
From the Ethiopian legend to our cup of coffee, coffee has gone through a long and fascinating journey. The huge variety of coffee types, growing methods and processing techniques allows everyone to find their perfect taste. The next time you sip your coffee, remember the rich history and amazing journey that small bean took to get to you.
