The History of Coffee: From a Shepherd's Excited Goats to Global Phenomenon

The origin of coffee is steeped in legend. Legend has it that in the 9th century AD on the Ethiopian highlands, a young shepherd named Kaldi accidentally discovered that his goats became unusually excited and energetic after eating a certain red berry, even 'dancing' at night. Curious, Kaldi brought these mysterious berries to the local Sufi monks. The monks roasted and brewed them into a liquid, discovering that it helped them stay awake and focused during long night prayers. This stimulating beverage then spread to Yemen and became popular in the Middle East through Arab traders in the 15th century. In the 17th century, coffee was introduced to Europe by Venetian merchants. Initially, it was regarded by the Church as a 'bitter drink of the infidels.' However, Pope Clement VIII tasted it, praised it highly, and even 'baptized' it, legalizing coffee in Europe. Subsequently, European powers took coffee plants to their colonies worldwide. From a secret stimulant in religious rituals of the past to a daily comfort in everyone's hands today, coffee has not only changed human dietary culture but also given rise to the profoundly influential 'cafe culture,' becoming a vital social language connecting the world.