The first official mention of coffee was found in documents from the 9th century, and since then, coffee has become a part of daily life around the world.
No one knows for sure where coffee originated, with conflicting stories coming from Ethiopia and Yemen. However, one apocryphal tale speculates that Ethiopia is the birthplace of this beloved bean, and that coffee lovers and caffeine addicts can thank a 9th century goat herder named Kaldi for discovering coffee’s power. While tending his goats, he noticed them becoming hyperactive after eating berries from a certain bush. Legend has it that he tried some himself and was amazed by the effects—hence the discovery of coffee.
How Did Coffee Get To Europe?
Coffee was first introduced to Europe by the Turks when they invaded Hungary in 1526. Not long after, the first coffee houses appeared in Italy, where they were patronized by intellectuals and merchants alike. These establishments quickly became fashionable locations for social gatherings. The earliest reference to coffee in English dates back to 1582, when it is mentioned as “Arabike”. By the late 1500s, coffee had made its way across Europe, arriving in Germany and England via Austria and Venice.
How did Coffee Get to America?
While we can’t pinpoint the exact time that coffee reached the Americas, we do know that it happened during the 1600s. Initially, it was imported by Dutch traders to New Amsterdam (New York) and then to other Dutch colonies, such as Suriname. At first, Americans didn’t like coffee—preferring their familiar drinks of beer or wine—but eventually people started drinking it. Today, America is one of the top coffee consuming countries in the world.
How did coffee Get to Australia?
Although people around the world had been drinking coffee since the 15th century, it didn’t reach Australia until much later. While some European explorers made their way to our shores with coffee on board, it wasn’t until the 1930s when Italian immigrants brought espresso with them that the green shoots of Australian’s coffee culture began to grow and develop its own unique take on coffee. The flat white is widely regarded to have Aussie origins, although Kiwis and Brits may dispute this!
Coffee Consumption Goes Way Beyond Drinking It
Coffee consumption is at an all-time high and the smell of freshly ground coffee beans brewing is part of the morning routine of getting us out of bed in the morning. With the rise in popularity of coffee shops over the last few decades, there’s no doubt that many of us rely on our daily cup(s) to give us a jolt of energy and start our day off on the right foot. But there’s more to coffee than just drinking it.
- Thanks to its antioxidant properties, coffee has health benefits
- Coffee granules can be used as an exfoliator to brighten skin
- Brunettes can enhance their hair colour with strongly brewed coffee
- Massaging used coffee grounds into the hair before shampooing can remove residue build-up
- Left over coffee grounds can absorb nasty smells in the fridge and in drains
- Use coffee as a natural wood stain
- In the garden, sprinkling coffee rounds can help to keep away unwanted cats and repel slugs and snails
- Coffee can be used in all sorts of recipes from enhancing a steak to creating a decadent cake.
Australian’s Love Affair With Coffee
It’s no secret that Australians are renowned for their love of coffee, with 95% of Australians drinking it, according to the National Coffee Association. Over time, travellers, traders, and Immigrants have influenced the way we drink it and it is now a way of life that is a deeply ingrained part of Australian culture.
Café Culture
The number of coffee shops in Australia is steadily increasing. Sure—you will find international coffee chains but coffee culture in Australia differs from the American Starbucks-on-every-corner culture. Australia thrives with independents—from fancy cafes to hole-in-the-wall diners—offering a unique ambience to suit all tastes. But, while visiting your favourite coffee shop is a great way to socialise and catch up with friends and colleagues, many of us are serious about brewing the perfect cup of coffee at home.
Home Brewing
While it’s possible to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home if you have a good bean roast, there are times when you’ll find yourself wanting to take your humble cup of Joe to the next level. There are lots of ways and plenty of equipment around to let you do just that. The gadgets are surprisingly versatile and can help you turn any kitchen into a cafe!
The Bottom Line
Although coffee’s history (and specifically how it reached some shores via colonialism and slavery) is not as glamorous as today’s designer brews and sugary syrups might lead us to believe, its inauspicious beginnings have transformed it into the most popular drink in the world after water.
However, nowadays there is a greater emphasis on sustainability and innovative brew methods to produce rich and full-bodied flavours that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. To some, coffee has transformed from being more than a mere drink to an art form. No matter what your thoughts are on coffee, if you are a coffee lover, this is the place for you.
