How humanity got hooked on coffee - Jonathan Morris

Summary

The script narrates the intriguing history of coffee, from its accidental discovery by a goatherd in 850 CE to becoming a global phenomenon. Originating in Ethiopia, coffee spread to the Middle East and Europe, with its popularity growing in coffeehouses and influencing social and intellectual movements. Despite the dark history of exploitation in coffee cultivation, the industry has seen advancements like the espresso machine and ethical certifications. Today, coffee faces challenges from climate change, prompting research into resilient hybrids to secure its future as a beloved daily ritual.

Takeaways

• 🐐 The story of coffee's discovery dates back to 850 CE when a goatherd named Kaldi observed his goats becoming hyperactive after eating coffee berries.
• ☕ The origins of coffee consumption are unclear but started in Ethiopia before the 1400s, where people used coffee in various ways, including as a tea and a snack.
• 🌳 Caffeine in coffee plants may deter herbivores or attract pollinators, which could be why humans began to utilize the plant for its energizing effects.
• 🌍 Coffee spread to the Middle East via trade routes and became particularly popular in the 1450s, with a Sufi leader recommending its use during worship in Yemen.
• ☕️ The Ottoman Empire played a significant role in the evolution of coffee, introducing the practice of roasting and grinding beans for a bolder flavor.
• 🏪 The first coffeehouses emerged in the Ottoman Empire, serving as social hubs where people could enjoy coffee and entertainment.
• 🚫 In 1511, coffee was put on trial in Mecca due to concerns about its intoxicating effects, but scholars eventually deemed it permissible.
• 🌊 Coffee cultivation and trade expanded globally, with Yemen's port of Al-Makha becoming known as Mocha, the origin of the term for a type of coffee.
• 🌳 The introduction of coffee to Europe, particularly in London, led to the establishment of numerous coffeehouses that became centers of social and intellectual life.
• 🔪 The growth of the coffee industry was tied to the exploitation of enslaved or indentured labor in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
• 📈 By the 20th century, Brazil became the dominant exporter of coffee, accounting for over 80% of the world's coffee exports.
• 🛠️ The invention of the espresso machine and industrial roasting equipment in the early 20th century revolutionized coffee production and consumption.
• 🌱 Specialty coffee movements in recent decades have emphasized quality beans and brewing methods, supporting farms in Central America and East Africa.
• 🌍 Climate change poses a significant threat to the coffee industry, with the 'Bean Belt' expected to shrink, prompting research into resilient coffee hybrids.

Q & A

What is the origin of the story about coffee's discovery?

The story of coffee's discovery dates back to around 850 CE when a goatherd named Kaldi observed his goats becoming hyperactive after eating certain berries. He tried the berries himself and experienced the same effect.

Why might coffee plants have evolved to contain caffeine?

Coffee plants may contain caffeine as a defense mechanism to deter herbivores or to attract pollinators, although the exact reason is not specified in the script.

When did people start foraging for wild coffee in Ethiopia?

People began foraging for wild coffee in Ethiopia sometime before the 1400s, using it in various ways such as making tea from its leaves and combining its berries with butter and salt for sustenance.

How did coffee spread to the Middle East?

Coffee spread to the Middle East via trade routes and gained widespread popularity in the 1450s, particularly after a Sufi leader recommended its use during worship in Yemen.

What was the controversy surrounding coffee in the early 16th century?

In 1511, a religious court in Mecca put coffee on trial due to concerns about its influence being intoxicating rather than innocent, questioning whether Muslims should be allowed to drink it.

Why did coffeehouses become popular in the Ottoman Empire?

Coffeehouses became popular as places where people could gather to sip coffee, smoke, and enjoy various forms of entertainment, following the religious court's decision that coffee was permissible to drink.

How did coffee farming and exportation begin in Yemen?

Coffee farming and exportation began in Yemen by the late 1500s, with coffee being exported from the port of Al-Makha, which became known as Mocha in other parts of the world.

When did the first coffeehouses open in Central London?

The first coffeehouses in Central London opened in the 1650s, and by 1663 there were more than 80 coffeehouses in the city.

What was King Charles II's stance on coffeehouses, and why did he attempt to ban them?

King Charles II attempted to ban coffeehouses in 1675, although the script does not provide specific reasons for his stance, it implies that coffeehouses continued to thrive despite this attempt.

How did coffee culture evolve in France during the 1700s?

In France, people began mixing coffee with milk and sugar, and coffeehouses in Paris became hubs for Enlightenment figures like Diderot and Voltaire, who were known for their coffee consumption.

What impact did European empires have on coffee cultivation and the workforce involved?

European empires profited from coffee-growing by establishing enslaved or exploited workforces in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, leading to the displacement of Indigenous populations and environmental damage.

How did the invention of the espresso machine and industrial roasting equipment influence coffee culture?

The invention of the first commercial espresso machine at the Milan World’s Fair in 1906, along with the development of industrial roasting equipment, led to the rise of various coffee brands and the incorporation of coffee breaks in about 60% of US factories by the mid-1950s.

What challenges does the coffee industry face today, and what efforts are being made to address them?

The coffee industry faces challenges such as inhumane working conditions and insufficient compensation for workers, as well as the impact of climate change on the 'Bean Belt'. Efforts to address these issues include ethical certification for coffee production and the development of resilient coffee hybrids.

Outlines

00:00

🍃 The Origins and Early History of Coffee

The story of coffee begins around 850 CE with Kaldi, a goatherd from Ethiopia, who discovered the energizing effects of coffee berries on his goats. By the 1400s, Ethiopians were using coffee in various ways, including as a tea and a snack. Coffee's popularity spread through trade routes to the Middle East, where it became a staple in religious rituals and social gatherings. The first coffeehouses emerged in the Ottoman Empire, and despite initial religious scrutiny, coffee was deemed permissible and its consumption spread. The beverage reached Europe in the 1650s, with London seeing a boom in coffeehouses by the 1660s. Coffee's journey continued with cultivation in Latin America and the establishment of the espresso machine in the early 20th century.

05:01

🌱 The Evolution and Challenges of Modern Coffee Culture

Coffee's journey from a simple forest forage to a global commodity is marked by innovation and expansion. The mid-20th century saw the rise of industrial coffee production and the incorporation of coffee breaks in the workplace. As African nations gained independence, they increased coffee production, and the beverage gained popularity in East Asia through canned and pre-prepared drinks. Specialty coffees focusing on quality and brewing methods have recently gained popularity, supporting farms in Central America and East Africa. However, the industry faces challenges, including poor working conditions and low pay for coffee workers, prompting ethical certification efforts. Climate change also threatens the coffee 'Bean Belt,' with scientists exploring resilient coffee hybrids to ensure the future of this beloved beverage.

Keywords

💡Kaldi

Kaldi is the name of the goatherd who, according to legend, discovered coffee around 850 CE when he observed his goats acting hyper after eating certain berries. This story is significant as it marks the beginning of human interaction with coffee, setting the stage for the history and cultural significance of coffee that the video explores.

💡Caffeine

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee plants, which may have evolved to deter herbivores or attract pollinators. In the context of the video, caffeine is a key component of coffee that contributed to its early adoption and subsequent popularity, as it provided people with an energizing effect, which was harnessed in various forms such as tea from coffee leaves or a snack made from coffee berries, butter, and salt.

💡Trade Routes

Trade routes are the paths used for the exchange of goods between different regions. The video mentions that coffee rode these trade routes into the Middle East, indicating how the beverage spread geographically and culturally. This concept is central to understanding the dissemination of coffee and its integration into different societies and economies.

💡Sufi Leader

A Sufi leader is a religious figure associated with Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. In the script, a Sufi leader from Yemen is credited with recommending the use of coffee during ritual chants and dances. This religious endorsement played a crucial role in the early adoption of coffee as a part of social and religious practices, highlighting the interplay between religion and the spread of coffee culture.

💡Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire was a vast state that existed from the 14th to the early 20th century, known for its cultural, religious, and military influence. The video describes how people within the Ottoman Empire began roasting and grinding coffee beans to create a darker, bolder beverage, which contributed to the evolution of coffee preparation methods and the establishment of coffeehouses as social hubs.

💡Coffeehouses

Coffeehouses, also known as coffee shops, are establishments that primarily serve coffee and often serve as social gathering places. The video discusses the rise of coffeehouses in Damascus, Istanbul, and later in Europe, emphasizing their role as centers for social interaction, intellectual discourse, and entertainment, which is integral to the cultural history of coffee.

💡Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism. The video notes that coffeehouses in Paris during the 1700s were frequented by Enlightenment figures like Diderot and Voltaire, suggesting that coffee and coffeehouses played a role in fostering intellectual and cultural exchange during this period.

💡Coffee Cultivation

Coffee cultivation refers to the farming of coffee plants. The video outlines the growth of coffee cultivation in various regions, including Yemen, India, Java, and later in Latin America. This process was often linked to colonial practices and the exploitation of labor, which had significant social and economic impacts and is an important aspect of the history of coffee production.

💡Espresso Machine

An espresso machine is a device that forces hot water through finely-ground coffee beans to produce espresso, a concentrated form of coffee. The video mentions the first commercial espresso machine showcased at the Milan World’s Fair in 1906, indicating a technological advancement in coffee preparation that contributed to the diversification of coffee consumption and the evolution of coffee culture.

💡Specialty Coffees

Specialty coffees are high-quality coffees that emphasize the unique characteristics of the beans and the brewing methods. The video notes the rise of specialty coffees in recent decades, which have driven interest in quality beans and brewing techniques, and have supported farms in Central America and East Africa, reflecting a shift towards more ethical and sustainable practices in the coffee industry.

💡Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global weather patterns, often attributed to human activities. The video discusses the impact of climate change on the equatorial 'Bean Belt,' where coffee thrives, and the potential shrinkage of this region in the coming decades. This highlights the environmental challenges facing coffee production and the need for research into resilient coffee hybrids to ensure the future of coffee.

Highlights

The origin story of coffee involves a goatherd named Kaldi observing his goats becoming hyperactive after eating coffee berries.

People in Ethiopia began foraging for wild coffee before the 1400s.

Caffeine in coffee plants may deter herbivores or attract pollinators.

Early uses of coffee included making tea from leaves and combining berries with butter and salt for sustenance.

Coffee's popularity in the Middle East began in the 1450s with its use in Sufi rituals.

The Ottoman Empire developed a darker, bolder coffee beverage by roasting and grinding beans.

Coffee was put on trial in Mecca in 1511 to determine if it was permissible for Muslims.

Coffeehouses emerged in Damascus, Istanbul, and other places as social hubs.

Yemen began farming and exporting coffee, known as Mocha, in the late 1500s.

Coffee cultivation spread to India and Java, and later to Europe through the Ottoman Empire.

The first coffeehouses in Central London opened in the 1650s, with over 80 by 1663.

Coffeehouses became social and intellectual centers, despite attempts to ban them.

Coffee was mixed with milk and sugar in France, influencing the development of café au lait.

Parisian coffeehouses were home to Enlightenment figures like Diderot and Voltaire.

European empires profited from coffee cultivation using enslaved or exploited labor in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Brazil became the largest exporter of coffee by 1906, accounting for over 80% of the world's coffee.

The first commercial espresso machine was showcased at the Milan World’s Fair in 1906.

Coffee breaks became incorporated into US factory work routines by the mid-1950s.

African countries increased coffee production after gaining independence.

Specialty coffees emphasizing quality beans and brewing methods have grown in popularity.

Ethical certification efforts have been made to ensure fair wages and sustainable farming in coffee production.

Climate change threatens the coffee 'Bean Belt', prompting research into resilient coffee hybrids.

Transcripts

One day around 850 CE, a goatherd named Kaldi observed that,

after nibbling on some berries, his goats started acting abnormally.

Kaldi tried them himself, and soon enough he was just as hyper.

This was humanity’s first run-in with coffee—

or so the story goes.

When exactly people began consuming coffee is unclear—

but at some point before the 1400s, in what’s now Ethiopia,

people began foraging for wild coffee in the forest undergrowth.

The reason coffee plants are equipped with lots of caffeine

might be because it makes them unattractive to herbivores

or more attractive to pollinators.

But either way, people caught on to coffee’s advantages

and began making tea from its leaves;

combining its berries with butter and salt for a sustaining snack;

and drying, roasting, and simmering its cherries into an energizing elixir.

Coffee rode trade routes into the Middle East,

and its widespread popularity began brewing in earnest in the 1450s.

Upon returning from a visit to Ethiopia,

a Sufi leader recommended that worshippers in Yemen

use coffee during ritual chants and dances.

Soon enough, people within the Ottoman Empire

began roasting and grinding the beans to yield a darker, bolder beverage.

Many gathered in guesthouses and outside mosques

to partake in coffee’s comforts.

But authorities grew concerned about whether coffee’s influence

was innocent or intoxicating,

and if Muslims should be allowed to drink it.

Indeed, in 1511, a religious court in Mecca put coffee on trial.

Scholars finally deemed it permissible,

so coffeehouses sprang up in Damascus, Istanbul, and beyond,

where clientele could sip coffee, smoke, and enjoy a variety of entertainment.

By the late 1500s, people in Yemen were farming coffee

and exporting it from the port of Al-Makha,

which became known in other parts of the world as Mocha.

But coffee was eventually transported— or smuggled— into India,

and soon took root in Java and beyond.

Meanwhile, the Ottoman Empire introduced the stimulating substance to Europe.

Central London’s first coffeehouses opened in the 1650s.

By 1663 there were more than 80.

And despite King Charles II’s attempt to ban them in 1675,

coffeehouses kept simmering as social and intellectual hotbeds.

In 1679, for instance, patrons of Garraway’s coffeehouse

had the pleasure of watching Robert Hooke, the scientist who coined the term “cell,”

publicly dissect a porpoise.

In France, people began mixing coffee with milk and sugar.

And throughout the 1700s,

Paris’ coffeehouses hosted Enlightenment figures like Diderot and Voltaire,

who allegedly drank 50 cups of coffee a day.

Granted, these were likely small servings of comparatively weak coffee—

but still, impressive.

Meanwhile, European empires began profiting off coffee-growing,

establishing enslaved or exploited workforces

in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

As cultivation boomed in Latin America, fueled by slavery,

growers displaced Indigenous populations

and burned forests to establish ever-expanding plantations.

By 1906, Brazil was exporting over 80% of the world’s coffee.

That same year, the Milan World’s Fair showcased

the first commercial espresso machine.

And alongside the development of industrial roasting equipment

came various coffee brands.

By the mid-1950s, about 60% of US factories incorporated coffee breaks.

As African countries cut colonial ties, many ramped up coffee production.

And coffee drinking also later made inroads in East Asia,

especially as canned, pre-prepared beverages.

In more recent decades,

specialty coffees with an emphasis on quality beans and brewing methods

grew popular and propelled farms in Central America and East Africa.

Yet coffee workers worldwide continued to endure inhumane conditions

and insufficient compensation.

This motivated certification efforts

for coffee production that met ethical standards,

including minimum wage and sustainable farming.

But issues still loom over the industry.

And because of climate change,

the equatorial “Bean Belt” where coffee thrives

is projected to shrink in upcoming decades.

It’s unclear exactly what this might look like.

But scientists are investigating possibilities

like resilient coffee hybrids that might help weather the unpredictable future—

all to protect the beverage that’s become a cherished part

of daily rituals worldwide.