Discovering the Origin of Arabica Coffee Plant:
A Historical Perspective

Coffee is a beloved beverage worldwide, and it is believed that more than 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day. It is a significant part of our daily routine, but have you ever wondered about the origin of this delicious drink? The story of coffee goes back to ancient times, and the Arabica Coffee plant is considered to be one of the most popular coffee species in the world. In this article, we will take a look at the historical perspective of discovering the origin of the Arabica Coffee plant.

The Beginning

The story begins in Ethiopia, where coffee was first discovered. According to the ancient tales, a goatherd named Kaldi noticed that his goats became restless and energetic after consuming some berries from a certain plant. Kaldi tried the berries himself and found that it had a similar effect on him as well. He then took the berries to a monk who lived nearby. The monk then brewed these berries and discovered that it helped him stay awake during long hours of prayer.

The news about this magical plant quickly spread throughout Ethiopia, and soon enough, coffee became an essential part of their daily lives. The plant was then traded across the Red Sea to Yemen, where it was cultivated on a large scale for the first time.

The Journey to Europe

From Yemen, coffee made its way to Europe via Venetian traders in the early 16th century. At this time, coffee was only available in Arabia, and it was considered a luxury item. But with the establishment of trade routes between Europe and Arabia, coffee became more accessible to ordinary people.

The popularity of coffee continued to grow in Europe, and soon enough, coffeehouses started popping up all over the continent. These places became hotspots for intellectuals and writers who would gather to discuss ideas over a cup of coffee.

The Discovery of Arabica Coffee Plant

In 1753, Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus discovered a new species of coffee plant in Ethiopia. This plant had smaller leaves and produced better-tasting coffee beans than any other type of coffee plant known at that time. He named this species Coffea arabica.

Arabica coffee quickly gained popularity due to its superior taste and aroma. Today, it is one of the most widely cultivated species of coffee in the world, accounting for around 60% of all coffee production globally.

Conclusion

The discovery of Arabica Coffee plant has revolutionized the world of coffee as we know it today. From its humble beginnings in Ethiopia to becoming one of the most important crops worldwide, this delicious drink has come a long way. So next time you take a sip of your favorite cup of coffee, remember that it all started with a goatherd and his goats!

FAQ

Q: What is Arabica Coffee?

A: Arabica Coffee is a species of coffee plant that produces high-quality beans with superior taste and aroma. It accounts for around 60% of all coffee production worldwide.

Q: Where did coffee originate?

A: Coffee originated in Ethiopia, where it was first discovered by a goatherd named Kaldi.

Q: Who discovered Arabica Coffee?

A: Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus discovered Arabica Coffee in Ethiopia in 1753.

Q: Why is Arabica Coffee so popular?

A: Arabica Coffee is popular due to its superior taste and aroma compared to other species of coffee plants.

Q: How much coffee is consumed worldwide daily?

A: It is estimated that more than 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily worldwide.