Sejarah Kopi dan Islam, Minuman Religius yang Mencerahkan - National Geographic Indonesia

Summary

The story of coffee began over 1200 years ago when a shepherd in Ethiopia discovered the energizing effects of a small red fruit on his goats. This led to the brewing of coffee, which spread through the Islamic world by the 9th century. By the 16th century, coffee had reached Europe, and by the 17th century, it was consumed worldwide. Coffee's impact on culture grew as it became a staple in coffeehouses and social gatherings. Today, coffee is a global commodity, with Indonesia being a major exporter, offering unique varieties. Beyond its taste, coffee is known for its health benefits, including boosting energy, maintaining heart health, and aiding weight management.

Takeaways

• 😀 1200 years ago, a shepherd in Ethiopia discovered coffee when he noticed his goats became energetic after eating red berries, which he later boiled and drank.
• 😀 The name 'coffee' is derived from the Arabic word 'qohwa', meaning 'strength', and the habit of drinking coffee spread to Europe by the 16th century.
• 😀 Coffee became popular in the 9th century in the Muslim world, particularly for its energizing properties, which were useful during late-night prayers.
• 😀 The first coffeehouse opened in Venice, Italy, in 1645, and coffeehouses became popular in Europe, especially in London by 1783, as social gathering spots.
• 😀 The term 'Cappuccino' comes from the resemblance of its color to the robes of Capuchin friars, a Christian religious order.
• 😀 The term 'Mocca' is named after the Yemeni port city of Mocha, known for being a major coffee trade center in the 15th to 17th centuries.
• 😀 The spread of coffee to New York (then called New Amsterdam) occurred in the 17th century, with the drink becoming more popular than tea by the 18th century.
• 😀 In Indonesia, coffee has been popular since the Islamic period, and today it is a major coffee producer, contributing 350,000 tons to the global market.
• 😀 Indonesia is the fourth-largest coffee exporter globally, with popular coffee varieties including Gayo, Ijen, Toraja, and Meranti.
• 😀 Coffee not only boosts energy but also offers health benefits such as helping with weight management, heart health, brain function, and reducing cancer risk.

Q & A

How did coffee first become known to humans?

Coffee was first discovered around 1200 years ago when a shepherd in Ethiopia noticed that his goats became more energetic after eating small red fruits. Curious, the shepherd boiled the fruit, and it turned into a drink, marking the beginning of coffee's discovery by humans.

What does the Arabic term 'qohwa' mean?

In Arabic, 'qohwa' refers to 'strength,' which ties to the energizing effects of coffee, a key reason why it became popular.

How did coffee spread to Europe?

Coffee spread to Europe in the 16th century when travelers introduced it. It first reached areas such as Yemen and Mecca, then to distant places like Baghdad, Istanbul, and eventually European countries.

What role did coffee play during the Islamic Golden Age?

During the Islamic Golden Age, many Muslims used coffee to stay awake for long prayer sessions, particularly during night prayers.

How did coffee recipes evolve over time?

Originally, coffee was consumed as a black beverage. By the 17th century, milk and other ingredients were added to create variations like cappuccino and latte, which include foamed milk.

Why is a cappuccino called a 'cappuccino'?

The name 'cappuccino' is derived from the Capuchin monks, whose brown robes the drink’s color resembles.

What is the origin of the term 'mocca' in coffee culture?

The term 'mocca' for a type of coffee drink is named after the port city of Mocha in Yemen, which was an important coffee trading center from the 15th to 17th centuries.

Where was the first coffeehouse opened?

The first coffeehouse was opened in Venice, Italy, in 1645, marking the beginning of the coffeehouse culture in Europe.

What was the significance of coffeehouses in 18th-century Europe?

In 18th-century Europe, coffeehouses became gathering spots for intellectuals, with some in London known as 'penny universities' because patrons could engage in stimulating discussions for the price of a coffee.

How did coffee reach the United States?

Coffee reached the United States in the mid-17th century when Dutch traders introduced it to New York, then known as New Amsterdam.

What impact does coffee have on health?

Coffee is known for its ability to boost energy, help maintain an ideal body weight, support heart and brain health, and even reduce the risk of cancer.