What is the only thing that can be corrected despite being error-free? Obviously, coffee! This drink, which we now take for granted, was not always so and there was even a time when people were unaware of its existence.
We bet that, at least once in your life, you too will have wondered who invented coffee. After all, we all get those mornings when we can’t get out of bed at all, if not thanks to this irreplaceable drink. In those moments, therefore, it is perfectly legitimate to ask ourselves who we have to thank for having given it to us.
Well, the purpose of this article is precisely to satisfy your curiosity, revealing all the secrets and background behind our beloved coffee!
What are the real origins of coffee?
The origins of coffee date back to the distant past, roughly between the 9th and 10th centuries. Legend has it that it was discovered by a shepherd named Kaldì, who lived on the Ethiopian highland of Caffa (from which the name ‘coffee’ derives).
Apparently, the sheep he was leading to pasture fed on some of the beans, getting a great excitement from them in return. This unusual reaction did not go unnoticed in the eyes of the shepherd, who decided to sample some beans himself, discovering for the first time ever the energising effects of caffeine.
According to another version of the legend, however, it was the Ethiopian ancestors of the Oromo group who discovered coffee and its benefits. Also shepherds, they used to create energy ‘snacks’ by mixing coffee fruits with fat, to be consumed during the long hours of herding.
A third and even more suggestive legend has it that coffee was a gift from heaven sent by the archangel Gabriel to Muhammad in order to give him strength and vigour during a night battle against the infidels. It is said that thanks to this ‘miraculous gift’, the prophet was not only able to unseat no less than forty knights, but even to satisfy as many virgins.
Minor licentiousness aside, this was only the beginning. Once discovered, coffee was an almost immediate success, triggering a veritable ‘mission of expansion’ that involved the whole world.
How did coffee spread?
From the 10th – 11th century, coffee began to spread to the Arabian Peninsula, i.e. present-day Yemen, thanks to imports by Arab merchants. From there it continued its course towards the Middle East and Constantinople: two territories that were somewhat the focus of its spread, as it was in these areas that Europeans first came into contact with what was to be their drink of the future.
Starting in the Middle Ages, in fact, the coffee plant was exported from Yemen to the city of Moca or Mokhā, from which the current name of Moka is derived. As for the very first ‘local’ records, they date back to the 1670s, thus coinciding with the trade of Venetian merchants.
But if you think that the history of coffee is studded with successes and that its spread never encountered any obstacles, we must unfortunately disappoint you. Our favourite drink, in fact, has not always had an easy life, to the point of even being banned by several religions!
Coffee was criticised by the Church
Since time immemorial, our Church has never looked favourably on anything that could distract and cheer up believers. When it first came into contact with coffee, consequently, its reaction was not at all positive. Indeed, the high prelates showed a certain fear towards that black drink with such stimulating effects.
Considering it a real temptation of the devil, the Church in fact tried to prohibit the consumption of coffee. That is, at least, until Pope Clement VII tasted a cup and was literally won over by it: to such an extent that coffee officially went from being a ‘devilish drink’ to a ‘Christian drink’.
If episodes of this kind can make you smile, bear in mind that it was by no means an isolated case. Coffee suffered a similar fate in Islamic territory, where it was officially banned in 1511, again because of its stimulating effect. Its saviour, in this case, was Sultan Suleiman I the Magnificent, who authorised its consumption again from 1524.
Coffee houses and cafés
At this point, the history of coffee moves to Italy: the country that, before all others, had the merit of introducing the very first coffee houses. It was in fact in Venice that public places were founded where people gathered to consume the exquisite black drink, and it was also in this city that what is still considered the oldest coffee shop in the world was founded: the renowned Caffè Florian, active since as far back as 1720.
From Venice, coffee houses and cafés began to spread to the rest of Italy. The best known are Caffè San Carlo in Turin, Caffè Greco in Rome and Caffè Pedrocchi in Padova, which continue to operate to this day. But the true primacy, within the Italian history of coffee, was achieved in the 20th century: a century that marked the birth of the much-loved espresso coffee, a 100% Italian pride. And, as they say, the rest is history.
Conclusion
Would you ever have guessed that behind your must-have morning espresso, which you practically take for granted, lies a world full of history and legend? We, who know about coffee, are the first to be amazed! On the other hand, such a delicious drink could only be the result of an equally fascinating story that, between myth and legend, has survived to this day.
Did you know that along with the espresso, the first coffee machines were also born? One of the first models, for example, was called the Victoria Arduino. Over time, more and more sophisticated machines were designed, right up to today’s lever machines: real jewels capable of ensuring a full-flavoured coffee, rich in all its nutritional properties.
After all, it is no secret that if you want to drink good coffee, you have to do it with the right machine. That is why we at Pontevecchio have decided to specialise precisely in lever machines, offering you the possibility of choosing your favourite from our rich catalogue. So do not hesitate any longer and discover the right coffee machine for you, enjoying the privilege of sipping your favourite beverage as often as you feel the need.