Coffee is a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions of people around the world, but have you ever stopped to wonder about its origins and the journey it took to become the drink we know and love today?
The coffee plant, Coffea, is native to tropical regions of Africa, and legend has it that its energizing effects were discovered by an Ethiopian shepherd who noticed his goats becoming particularly lively after eating the plants' cherries. The beans inside these cherries were eventually roasted and brewed to create the first cups of coffee.
Coffee quickly spread throughout the Middle East and into Europe, where it became a popular drink among the wealthy and was even used as a form of currency in some places. It wasn't until the 17th century that coffee made its way to the Americas, where it played a crucial role in the rise of coffee houses as centers of social and political activity.
Today, coffee is grown in countries all around the world, with some of the largest producers being Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia. It comes in a wide variety of roasts, blends, and flavors, and can be prepared using a range of brewing methods.Â
So the next time you take a sip of your Extra Morning Cup of coffee, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and all the hard work that goes into bringing it to your cup.