How humanity got hooked on coffee - Jonathan Morris

Coffee History Globalization

Introduction

The history of coffee, from its discovery in Ethiopia to its global popularity and the challenges faced by the industry today.

Coffee: A beverage made from roasted coffee beans, known for its stimulating effects.
Coffeehouses: Social establishments where coffee is served and people gather for conversation and entertainment.
Bean Belt: The equatorial region where coffee is primarily grown.

Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia around 850 CE when a goatherd noticed its stimulating effects on his goats.
The popularity of coffee grew in the Middle East and Ottoman Empire, leading to the establishment of coffeehouses.
European empires profited from coffee-growing, often through exploitative practices such as slavery.
The development of specialty coffees and ethical certification efforts have aimed to improve conditions for coffee workers.
Climate change poses a threat to coffee production in the future, leading to research on resilient coffee hybrids.

The history of coffee reflects broader patterns of exploitation and globalization in the world economy.
The rise of specialty coffee and ethical certification efforts highlight growing consumer awareness of social and environmental issues.
Climate change poses a significant challenge to the future of coffee production and requires innovative solutions.

Coffee has a long history, from its origins in Ethiopia to its global popularity today.
The industry has faced challenges such as exploitation, ethical concerns, and climate change.
Efforts are being made to improve conditions for coffee workers and ensure the sustainability of coffee production.

Coffee has become a beloved beverage worldwide, but its history is marked by exploitation and challenges that require ongoing attention and innovation.