The History of Coffee
Across the globe, coffee plays an integral role in kick-starting the day for millions of people. This much-beloved beverage has an estimated daily consumption of a staggering 2 billion cups. But how did coffee rise to such prominence? What tales surround its origins? What journey has coffee undertaken throughout history? Immerse yourself in the rich history of coffee and uncover how it grew to be the world’s most cherished drink.
The Tale of Coffee’s Discovery
The story goes that the invigorating effects of coffee were first noticed by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. He found that his goats were unusually energetic at night after consuming the berries from a coffee tree.
Some stories tell us that he shared this finding with a local abbot, while others claim that a monk noticed the peculiar behaviour of the herder’s goats and took some of the fruits back to his monastery. Regardless of the version, the outcome is the same – the berries aided in staying awake during extended prayer sessions.
The Emergence of Modern Coffee
Though the allure of the beverage spread rapidly, it was in 13th century Arabia that roasted coffee as we know it today first made its appearance. Fast forward two centuries, and coffee cultivation had taken root in the Arabian Peninsula.
From there, coffee’s popularity flowed into neighbouring Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Persia in the 16th century. The rise of Gahveh Khanehs, or public coffeehouses, in numerous Near Eastern cities marked this period. These coffeehouses evolved into social gathering spots and crucial centers for information exchange.
Coffee’s Journey to Europe and the New World
By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe. France, Holland, Germany, Austria, and England saw the emergence of many coffeehouses, with over 300 in London alone. These public establishments continued to be a common place for people to enjoy a cup and engage in conversation.
Coffee then made its debut in the New World, specifically New Amsterdam (known today as New York), in the mid-1600s. Although tea was the preferred choice for some time, the Boston Tea Party in 1773 marked a shift in preference. When the Sons of Liberty protested by dumping British tea, coffee drinking became a symbol of patriotism.
Coffee’s Arrival in the Americas
The journey of coffee to the Americas began when naval officer Gabriel de Clieu was assigned to transport a seedling to Martinique in 1723. Despite numerous hurdles, including harsh weather, pirate assaults, and even an attempted sabotage, he succeeded. This coffee plant, a gift from the Mayor of Amsterdam to King Louis XIV of France in 1714, became the progenitor of all coffee trees in the Caribbean, South and Central America.
Subsequently, another Frenchman, Francisco de Mello Palheta, introduced coffee seeds to Brazil, which would eventually birth its renowned coffee and a multi-billion dollar industry.
Café Diario’s Footprint in Today’s Coffee Industry
Mirroring the fascinating journey of coffee, Café Diario has a rich history of its own. Its story started in Spain in the 1920s, where Carlos de Aldecoa Fernandez, the founder of Café Diario, established the business. He later relocated the enterprise to the fertile lands of Veracruz, Mexico, in the early 1930s.
Café Diario then spread its reach to the U.S., led by the founder’s son, Carlos de Aldecoa Pereda, and has been operating out of Houston, Texas, since 1985.
Carrying the legacy and rich experience of three generations, Café Diario continues to serve coffee with unmatched passion, establishing its position as a connoisseur in the industry.