The Origins of Coffee
Coffea arabica is believed to be originally from Ethiopia. and is linked to numerous stories many of them not credible! One of the legends about the origins of coffee is linked to a pastor of goats. He mentioned that once the animals ate the coffee berries, they behaved more energetically and actively. If the tale is not a credible story, yet it does imply the proven energetic power of the beverage.
After passing through Egypt and Constantinople coffee was introduced in Europe in the XVII century. The Venetians brought the coffee to Venice where it was appreciated and consumed in high volume. Intellectuals, writers, artists caught the habit of drinking coffee in any activity they participated in. Coffee time was something charming and fashionable among all those who made part of the literary and enlightened elite.
At that time, coffee farmers used to keep seeds of Coffea arabica locked up. They behaved in such a selfish way to keep the plant from being shared with others.
Coffee arrived in the Americas around 1600, first in Martinique and then spreading to South America, mostly in Brazil and Colombia. Brazil is still the top producer worldwide, followed by Vietnam and Colombia.
Coffee was the favorite drink, the most romantic and popular among all hot beverages in Europe. No matter the nationality, or social class, they all adored the most marvelous drink.
Coffee continues with tremendous popularity all over the world but nowadays suffers immensely from climate change. Coffee is at risk of possible extinction unless something is done to save the precious plant.
How Global Warming is Threatening Your Morning Coffee
According to climate scientists, rising temperatures are disrupting ideal microclimates for the coffee plant to grow. Diseases and droughts resulting from elevated temperatures also impact coffee production.
Coffee is planted in specific climate conditions to grow high-quality beans. Without these conditions, the land will be unproductive in the foreseeable future.
A shortage of coffee in the market will bring prices out of reach of those who love the special drink.
We see with enormous concern the possibility of not being able to drink coffee in the future which will leave us only with the legends of the origins of coffee. This will be one more consequence of Global Warming and an endpoint to the history of coffee.