From Goat Herder Kaldi to Apollo 11: Ten Surprising Facts in Coffee's Global History

The journey of coffee, from an Ethiopian myth to a worldwide staple, encompasses ten essential facts. According to the National Coffee Association, approximately two-thirds of American adults enjoy coffee, leading to a daily consumption of 2.25 billion cups. Coffee was first discovered by Kaldi, a goat herder from Ethiopia in the 9th century. By the 15th century, Yemen became a center for coffee, particularly the port of Mocha. Istanbul saw its first coffee house in 1555, despite previous prohibitions. Pope Clement VIII's endorsement significantly increased coffee's appeal. Following the Ottoman defeat at Vienna in 1683, coffee gained popularity throughout Europe. The Dutch initiated Java plantations by 1711. The Boston Tea Party in 1773 turned coffee into a symbol of patriotism in America. General John J. Pershing recognized coffee as a vital resource during WWI. In 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts enjoyed coffee, and the ISSpresso machine now brews it in space. The article also addresses coffee's historical ties to slavery and the emergence of specialty coffee in the 1990s.