Read an Academic Passage

The History and Significance of Coffee

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, but its journey from a regional plant to a global commodity is a long and fascinating one. The coffee plant, specifically the Coffea arabica species, is native to the highlands of Ethiopia. According to legend, a 9th-century goat herder named Kaldi discovered the plant's stimulating effects after noticing his goats became energetic after eating its berries. The practice of brewing coffee spread from Ethiopia to the Arabian Peninsula, where, by the 15th century, coffee houses had become important centers for social and intellectual exchange.

From the Middle East, coffee made its way to Europe in the 17th century, where it was initially met with suspicion but quickly grew in popularity. Coffee houses in cities like London and Paris became hubs of political debate, commerce, and artistic activity, earning the nickname "penny universities" because a cup of coffee granted access to stimulating conversation. The high demand for coffee fueled European colonial expansion, as nations established vast plantations in their colonies in South America, the Caribbean, and Asia to cultivate the crop.

Today, coffee is a massive global industry that plays a crucial role in the economies of many developing countries, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. However, the industry also faces significant challenges, including price volatility, the effects of climate change on coffee-growing regions, and debates over fair trade practices. Despite these issues, the cultural significance of coffee remains strong, serving as a daily ritual and a means of social connection for millions of people worldwide.