Coffee is the second most exchanged product in the world right behind oil! How did this product develop itself throughout centuries?
Ethiopia, the land of birth:
Coffee shrubs are most likely from Ethiopia in a province called Kaffa. The legend says that a young Ethiopian Shepard observed his goats acting unusually excited; he then would have tried the red grains himself and then felt the energizing effect. Today, it is impossible to pinpoint with precision this event. However, we do know that the automatic beverage was imported during the 16th century from Mocha to Yemen.
At the heart of a religious controversy:
Back then, these grains would allow Muslims to stay awake during their meditation. Afterwards, popularity would continue to grow in Egypt, Turkey, as well as in Persia thanks to merchants and pilgrims. There is a religious debate opposing these stimulating grains however. Some are concerned about the effects: isn’t it as bad as wine? After numerous negotiations, coffee is not allowed. Unfortunately (or fortunately!), this ban arrives too late as a coffee house opens in Turkey. Drinking coffee upon waking up eventually becomes a daily ritual, even at the top of the state, by Sultan Soliman.
It was then that the Italian merchants, intrigued by the journey of a German doctor in Constantinople, brought coffee grains to Venice. Its popularity explodes immediately in the 1600’s.
Credit : www.mondial.ma
Blessed by the Pope:
Once again, religious questions are being asked: isn’t this beverage a poison made by infidels to pervert the believers? In order to obtain a definitive answer and to ensure the contrary, the pope Clément Vlll taste this new beverage that is delicious and refuses to leave it to Muslims. Therefore, with the agreement of the Pope, coffee would continue developing without any problems.