Coffee, the caffeinated elixir that fuels our modern lives, has a fascinating history that stretches across continents and centuries. From its origins in the Ethiopian highlands to its journey through Yemen and into the Ottoman Empire, coffee has evolved from a mysterious and luxurious delicacy to an integral part of our daily routine. This article will take you on a captivating journey through time, exploring the enchanting history of coffee while delving into the recent phenomena of the Third Wave coffee movement.

The Ethiopian Legend: Origins of Coffee

Our journey commences in the ninth century, in the heart of the Ethiopian kingdom of Kaffa, where a tale of hyperactive goats and a shepherd named Kaldi unfolds. According to legend, Kaldi's goats consumed peculiar red berries, leading to their uncharacteristic exuberance. Curious, Kaldi tasted the berries himself, and soon he was dancing with newfound vigor. He collected the berries and shared them with his wife, who urged him to consult a local monastery. However, the Islamic monk there dismissed the berries as the work of evil demons, tossing them into the fire. From the embers emerged an irresistible aroma, and the world's first cup of coffee was born.

Via Yemen to the Whole World: The Spread of Coffee

Though the Kaldi legend remains debated, it is undisputed that coffee originated in Ethiopia. By the 11th century, coffee found its way to Yemen, likely through the hands of slave traders. There, it was known as "Qahweh," a term signifying life force or strength. In the 15th century, Yemeni Sufi monks pioneered the art of roasting, grinding, and brewing coffee beans. This newfound technique allowed them to remain awake during prolonged meditation sessions, eventually earning coffee the nickname "Arabica."

These Yemeni monks shared their discovery with pilgrims, who spread the word about this remarkable beverage worldwide. From the Yemeni port city of Al Mocha, coffee, often referred to as "mocha," made its way to Medina, Mecca, Damascus, Cairo, and Constantinople, sowing the seeds for the global coffee trade.

The Ottoman Empire played a pivotal role in coffee's evolution, with diplomats and heads of state from various nations sampling coffee in the heart of the empire. However, the political nature of coffee discussions led to its prohibition in the Ottoman Empire, as it was deemed "haram." Sultan Murad IV even went to the extent of banning coffee houses and threatening execution for coffee drinkers. Despite these restrictions, the allure of coffee prevailed, and coffee houses sprang up repeatedly.

The First German Coffee House: Europe Awakens to Coffee

By the mid-17th century, coffee finally found its way to Europe. The first coffee houses opened in Venice (1647), London (1652), Vienna (1685), and Paris. However, these establishments were exclusive to the elite and artists. The first German coffeehouse appeared in Bremen's Marktplatz in 1673, followed by Hamburg in 1677, and Berlin in 1721.

How Coffee Came to South America: A New Chapter in Coffee History

For centuries, Arab traders held a monopoly on coffee, making it a coveted and expensive commodity, accessible primarily to the nobility. Europeans eventually managed to acquire coffee seedlings and, by sea, transported them to the colonies in Latin America and the Caribbean, where the ideal climate fostered coffee plant cultivation.

The Three Waves of Coffee: From Mass Product to Lifestyle Choice

The journey of coffee continued to evolve. Until the 19th century, coffee was primarily enjoyed by the wealthy elite, royalty, and the court nobility. However, with the onset of the Industrial Revolution, coffee's production-enhancing properties became evident. This marked the first coffee wave, transforming coffee into a mass product available in supermarkets.

The second wave brought a focus on coffee quality, with Starbucks leading the charge. However, it was often masked with syrups, sugar, and milk, leading to jokes about the disappearance of black coffee.

The Third Wave coffee movement, which began in the mid-1990s in America, shifted the coffee paradigm. Consumers began to ask questions about coffee's origin, ethical cultivation, and the roasting process. Coffee transformed from a luxury item into a lifestyle product, with a strong emphasis on single-origin, lightly roasted Arabica coffee. The Third Wave movement has led to a surge in specialty coffee roasteries worldwide, including Berlin, where Röststätte specializes in this new approach to coffee.

The Triumph of Robusta Coffee: A Shifting Preference

Notably, the Robusta coffee plant wasn't discovered until 1898 in the Congo. In Europe, Arabica coffee was preferred until the 1970s. The oil crisis in the 1970s led to skyrocketing green coffee prices, pushing the industry to increase Robusta content in coffee. Robusta was easier to grow, faster to mature, and contained more caffeine. Its mass production led to widespread consumption, but it also brought health concerns, including stomach issues and high blood pressure, attributed to its high caffeine and chlorogenic acid content.

The shift towards the Third Wave and back to Arabica coffee marked the industry's response to these health concerns and the ever-evolving preferences of coffee enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the history of coffee is a rich and dynamic narrative, from its mystical Ethiopian origins to its enduring influence on global culture. As we sip our preferred brews today, we can appreciate the fascinating journey that brought this humble bean to our cups and the evolving waves that continue to shape our coffee experiences.