The Rich History of Coffee Around the World
Millions of people worldwide rely on coffee to jump-start their day. In fact, the dark beverage is so popular that the estimated consumption is around 2 billion cups daily. But, how did coffee become so famous? What are the legends surrounding its origin? What is the history of coffee? Learn more about the deep history of coffee and how it became the most enjoyed and celebrated beverage in the world.
A Coffee Legend
Legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi from Ethiopia first discovered coffee’s stimulating properties. He observed that his goats were filled with energy at night after eating the berries of the coffee tree.
Some accounts say he shared this discovery with the local abbot, while others state that the monk witnessed the strange behavior of the herder and his goats and took back some fruits to the monastery. Either way, the berries helped them stay alert through their long prayers.
Modern Coffee’s Beginnings
The popularity of the drink spread far and wide, but the modern version of roasted coffee first appeared in Arabia in the 13th century. Two hundred years later, coffee was being grown in the Arabian Peninsula.
It then spread to the neighboring countries of Egypt, Turkey, Syria and Persia in the 16th century, where it was being consumed in Gahveh Khanehs (public coffeehouses) that sprung up in many cities in the Near East. These coffeehouses became a social hub and an important center for the exchange of information.
Coffee in Europe and the New World
By the 17th century, coffee had spread to Europe. Many coffeehouses were established in France, Holland, Germany, Austria and England, and there where more than 300 were in London alone. People continued gathering in these public spaces to share a drink and exchange ideas.
Coffee was then brought to the New World in the mid-1600s in New Amsterdam (New York), although tea remained the favorite for a long time. However after the Boston Tea Party in 1773 when the Sons of Liberty dumped the British tea in protest, drinking coffee became a patriotic duty.
Coffee in the Americas
Coffee eventually made its way to the Americas when the young naval officer Grabriel de Clieu was tasked to transport a seedling to Martinique in 1723. He succeeded despite many challenges which included harsh weather, pirate attacks and even a saboteur. The young coffee plant, a gift from the Mayor of Amsterdam to King Louis XIV of France in 1714, became the parent of all coffee trees in the Caribbean, South and Central America.
A few years later, another Frenchman, Francisco de Mello Palheta, would bring coffee seeds to Brazil, giving rise to its famous eponymous coffee and a billion-dollar industry.
Eximius’ Role in Coffee Today
Similar to coffee’s journey, Eximius also has a long history. From its European roots—it was established in Spain in the 1920s—Eximius founder Carlos de Aldecoa Fernandez moved the business to the fertile lands of Veracruz Mexico in the early 1930s.
It then expanded to the U.S. under the leadership of the founder’s son, Carlos de Aldecoa Pereda. Eximius has been operating from Houston, Texas, since 1985.
Millions of people worldwide rely on coffee to jump-start their day. In fact, the dark beverage is so popular that the estimated consumption is around 2 billion cups daily.
But, how did coffee become so famous? What are the legends surrounding its origin? What is the history of coffee?
A Coffee Legend
Legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi from Ethiopia first discovered coffee’s stimulating properties. He observed that his goats were filled with energy at night after eating the berries of the coffee tree.
Some accounts say he shared this discovery with the local abbot, while others state that the monk witnessed the strange behavior of the herder and his goats and took back some fruits to the monastery. Either way, the berries helped them stay alert through their long prayers.
Modern Coffee’s Beginnings
The popularity of the drink spread far and wide, but the modern version of roasted coffee first appeared in Arabia in the 13th century. Two hundred years later, coffee was being grown in the Arabian Peninsula.
It then spread to the neighboring countries of Egypt, Turkey, Syria and Persia in the 16th century, where it was being consumed in Gahveh Khanehs (public coffeehouses) that sprung up in many cities in the Near East. These coffeehouses became a social hub and an important center for the exchange of information.
Coffee in Europe and the New World
By the 17th century, coffee had spread to Europe. Many coffeehouses were established in France, Holland, Germany, Austria and England, and there where more than 300 were in London alone. People continued gathering in these public spaces to share a drink and exchange ideas.
Coffee was then brought to the New World in the mid-1600s in New Amsterdam (New York), although tea remained the favorite for a long time. However after the Boston Tea Party in 1773 when the Sons of Liberty dumped the British tea in protest, drinking coffee became a patriotic duty.
Coffee in the Americas
Coffee eventually made its way to the Americas when the young naval officer Grabriel de Clieu was tasked to transport a seedling to Martinique in 1723. He succeeded despite many challenges which included harsh weather, pirate attacks and even a saboteur. The young coffee plant, a gift from the Mayor of Amsterdam to King Louis XIV of France in 1714, became the parent of all coffee trees in the Caribbean, South and Central America.
A few years later, another Frenchman, Francisco de Mello Palheta, would bring coffee seeds to Brazil, giving rise to its famous eponymous coffee and a billion-dollar industry.
Eximius’ Role in Coffee Today
Similar to coffee’s journey, Eximius also has a long history. From its European roots—it was established in Spain in the 1920s—Eximius founder Carlos de Aldecoa Fernandez moved the business to the fertile lands of Veracruz Mexico in the early 1930s.
It then expanded to the U.S. under the leadership of the founder’s son, Carlos de Aldecoa Pereda. Eximius has been operating from Houston, Texas, since 1985.
With the rich experience of three generations running the business, Eximius has been serving coffee with a passion while establishing itself as an expert in the industry.
