The history and mystery of coffee

The origin of coffee has long been the subject of friendly debate. The earliest facts indicate that coffee may have been discovered around the sixth century by Ethiopian goat herders, who were amazed by the “rush” created by eating these wild berries. Soon, these were discovered by various tribes, who took them as sustenance on hunting trips.

By the thirteenth century, coffee had made its way across the Arabian Peninsula via trade routes. This wonder berry then came into usage as both a medicinal remedy and as part of religious ceremonies--where its "power of revival" kept Muslims awake during hours-long ceremonies.

As the Muslim territory expanded, so too did coffee’s reach to Turkey and North Africa. By way of trade, coffee arrived in Europe and became a middle class staple--critical to business discussions, dinner parties, and friendly gatherings.

Soon, during the 16th and 17th centuries, coffee arrived in India and also was cultivated by the Dutch on the indonesian archipelago of Java.

Coffee's entrance into modern-day America occurred sometime around 1755. However, tea continued as the favorite drink of "Americans" until 1773, when the Boston Tea Party shifted the emphasis to coffee. The rest of the story, as they say, is history.