Where does Coffee come from? Its History & Origin

Although every one of us loves coffee, most of us don’t know where does coffee come from? And by where I don’t just mean the origin; I mean its history. Like all great things, does coffee also have a rich history? After all, the world has been sipping on it forever. Moreover, history is one thing, we don’t even know about all its origins, right? Do you know what is the origin of the coffee you are having currently? Let’s find out the answers to all these questions… This blog covers everything you should know about - where does coffee come from? – the history and origin of your beloved coffee beans.

Where do Coffee Beans come from? The History

The history of coffee beans goes way back to the 15th century. So, if you ever wonder when the first ever coffee was made, you now know that it was ages ago. As aforementioned, every great thing has a rich history, and coffee is one of them. Most historians believe the following to be the origin of coffee beans cultivation:

• Yemen
• Ethiopia
• Mecca

Want to know where does coffee come from? Let’s start from the beginning and see what the history of coffee has for us.

575 CE – Coffee was Discovered

According to historians, the discovery of coffee took place in Ethiopia and East Africa. But people didn’t drink it during this time. Instead, the Ethiopians used to eat it. Yes, that’s right! This popular beverage was a food item once. And people used to devour it. So, you now know the answer to where does coffee come from.

980 CE – Coffee as a Medicine

This was the time when the great Arab scholar, Avicenna, recognized coffee for its medicinal benefits. He considered coffee as a cure for a lot of health issues, from earache to eye strain and even liver problems. Moreover, he mentioned all the benefits of coffee in his work, Canon of Medicine.

1500s CE – Cultivation of Coffee

As history tells, coffee beans were cultivated for the first time during the 15th century in the Arabian Peninsula. It is said that Yemen and Ethiopia are the first ever regions to officially grow coffee beans. Moreover, the people of these areas started having coffee as a beverage.

1500s CE - Trade and Smuggling

Gradually, coffee trading started happening from Yemen and the beans reached other regions of the world, including Constantinople and Alexandria. However, Yemeni authorities prohibited the trade of fertilized coffee plants. As a result, pilgrims started smuggling it. And eventually, coffee cultivation began in India.

The 16th century was the time when the first ever coffee houses opened in Yemen, Mecca, Damascus, and Istanbul.

1600s CE - Coffee Reaches Europe

Coffee was already famous among the Ottomans of Turkey. But this was the time when it reached other parts of Europe too, including England, France, etc. People were spellbound by its amazing taste. Moreover, the establishment of coffeehouses started in different countries and coffee became a popular drink among the aristocracy.

1700s CE - Coffee Came to Brazil

This was the time when coffee reached one of the largest producers of coffee – Brazil! You should know that it was a gift from an illicit affair. Interesting, right? Well, the Brazilian Lieutenant Colonel of that time went to France to settle a dispute. But instead, he had an affair with the Governor's wife - and got a coffee plant as a gift in return for his favors. He brought it with him to Rio de Janeiro and planted it. 

1800s CE - Industrialization of Coffee

The Industrial Revolution resulted in the development of high-tech coffee processing and brewing methods. Moreover, the first-ever commercial coffee roasters were created during this era in the United States. Later, in the 1880s, the Italians also invented the first espresso machines and took the world by storm. 

1900s CE - Coffee as a Global Industry

The industrial coffee roasting and grinding machines became more common during this time. Also, the invention of instant coffee also took place in 1950 and it became a convenience food. And it revolutionized the coffee sipping routines of people. Besides, this led to the increased production of Robusta beans. 

2000s CE - The Popularity Increased

Single-origin coffee beans became one of the most widely traded commodities in the world. Therefore, they became (and still are) the major players in the global economy. Also, during this time, the coffee industry shifted more toward sustainability and fair trade practices. Moreover, by the 2010s, coffee lovers made artisanal and signature coffee blends a trend too. 

2020s CE - Coffee Beans Today

Undoubtedly, coffee is one of the most popular beverages today. Moreover, coffee beans are grown in over 70 countries around the world. You should know that Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia are among the top producers. Each of these countries offers deliciously indulgent single origin coffees that are to die for. Want to know more about the countries producing their own coffee? Well, you are about to find out…

Let’s Indulge in the Origins of Coffee Beans

You now know that the first origin of coffee was the Arabian Peninsula. But do you know where the coffee you are sipping on right now comes from? Moreover, knowing the origin of coffee is important. After all, it defines the flavor and other qualities of your drink. Furthermore, not every country in the world can produce all coffee. It is so because coffee production requires certain climate conditions that only countries close to the equator have.

The qualities and benefits of single-origin coffee also depend on the terroir. This is another name for the geographical conditions that impact coffee growth. Anyhow,  let’s move on to the next level of – where does coffee come from? Here is all you should know about the origin countries producing coffee.

South American Coffee

You should know that South America comprises the most famous coffee producers in the world. All these countries have their own coffee with nuanced flavor profiles. Moreover, coffee beans from South America are known for being light to medium-bodied. Besides, they offer a balanced and clean mouthfeel that a true coffee enthusiast surely loves. Furthermore, top producers from here include:

• Brazil

Brazilian coffee beans are among the top favorites of coffee lovers. Furthermore, these beans are sourced from different regions in Brazil, such as Cerrado, Minas Gerais, and Santos. After all, they brew a perfect and premium drink to sip throughout the day. Besides, this coffee has a nutty, chocolatey taste, and it's not too bitter. Also, the coffee brewed is low in acidity. Anyways, these beans are ideal for brewing espresso. If you are looking for premium Brazilian coffee, you have to try Backyard Brew’s Brazil Mogiana. 

• Colombia

Colombian coffee is truly amazing. After all, it offers amazing flavors and is low in content. So, if you love coffee but trying to cut down the caffeine, these beans are going to be your new favorite. Also, their delightful taste and smooth mouthfeel make them a must-try. And this is not all! Moreover, Colombian coffee also has a lot of health benefits. It is really good for your heart and liver. And since it's coffee, it’s obviously good for your mental alertness.

Central American Coffee

Not just South America, but Central America also produces some great coffees. From chocolatey and butty to bright and acidic, this region really is the gold producer of coffee beans. Moreover, here are the top coffee-producing countries of Central America:

• Guatemala

As the largest producer of coffee beans, Guatemala has something delightful for all coffee lovers. The coffee here is popular for its acidity, fruitiness, and premium mouthfeel. You should know that these beans get these qualities from the harsh climate and soil conditions of Guatemala. Because of this, the plants take more time to grow. But this leads to a more nuanced and concentrated taste of the coffee. 

• Honduras

If you are into sweet, chocolatey notes in your coffee, this Honduran coffee is for you. It also has caramel-like flavor notes. Moreover, Honduran beans can be roasted from light to dark. Regardless of the roast level, you can surely expect complex yet delightful flavors from this coffee. Don’t miss out on this one if you are on a hunt to try unique single-origin coffees.

African Coffee

Africa is home to the earliest coffee-producing country, Ethiopia. Other regions include Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zambia. They are popular for their world-class coffee. You can expect your sipping experience to be unique, flavorful, and truly delightful with these coffees. The most popular coffee blends in Africa are from: 

• Kenya

Coffee from Kenya has a strong fruity and floral flavor and is high in acidity. These coffee beans get their nuanced profile because they grow on a high-altitude volcanic land. The climate and soil conditions here result in the indulgent richness that’s found in no other blends. Above all, Kenya produces coffee using fair trade practices and sustainable methods. This is another plus point of our beloved Kenyan coffee. 

• Tanzania

Like its Kenyan brother, Tanzanian coffee also has bright acidic flavors and richness. You can also expect high notes of citrus and berries. Backyard Brew brings to you the utterly delicious Tanzania Robusta coffee. If you are a true coffee lover, you can miss out on this one. After all, it has all the qualities to become your next favorite. 

• Ethiopia

Ethiopia has the world-famous Arabica coffee beans. There is no coffee shop in the world that doesn’t brew these beans. Besides, almost everyone loves them. Moreover, Ethiopian coffee offers diverse flavor profiles. Yes, that’s true. It’s flavors can vary from fruity and floral to earthy and spicy. You can’t be a true coffee lover if you haven’t tried this coffee. Grab our pack of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, for a real Ethiopian coffee experience. 

Asian Coffee

Asia doesn’t have many favorable regions for coffee production. However, there still are some you should know about. Moreover, these are the countries producing coffee beans loved by people around the world:

• India

The hills of Southern India produce coffee beans too. And you should know that the resulting brew has a rich and purely delightful flavor that must be a part of your coffee collection. 

You should know that India is one of the ancient producers of coffee. Besides, the coffee plants of this country produce Arabica beans. 

• Indonesia

Many people don’t know this but Indonesia is also one of the leading producers of premium coffee beans. Furthermore, its coffee is known for its bold, complex flavor profile. Moreover, it’s popular flavors include:

• Sumatran Coffee
• Java Coffee

Anyway, both of these are different yet delectable in their own way. Sumatran coffee has a smoky and earthy flavor. On the other hand, java coffee has a smoother and nutty taste. A coffee lover must have a taste of both.

Conclusion

Coffee lovers! This is your time to be mindful and know all the important bits about your coffee beans. Moreover, if you have come reading this far, you already the answer to – where does coffee come from? know the rich history of coffee beans. How they started off from Ethiopia and reached the whole world is simply amazing. Today, we have so many countries producing our favorite beans. For example, India and Ethiopia export the world-famous Arabica beans around the world. And Indonesia has amazing Java coffee. So, know your beans for an even more delightful coffee sipping experience.