10 Foods That Were Originally Meant to Be Something Else

6. Coffee: From Ethiopian Highlands to Global Brew

Coffee's rise from the Ethiopian highlands to a global brew is a story of cultural diffusion and economic impact. Legend has it that coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi, who noticed his goats became energetic after eating coffee berries. The beans went to the Arabian Peninsula, where they were cultivated and brewed into a beverage. Coffeehouses, known as Yahweh Khaneh, became popular in the Middle East, serving as hubs for social interaction and intellectual exchange. The 17th century saw coffee's introduction to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity despite initial resistance from authorities. Coffeehouses emerged as centres of commerce and conversation, influencing political and cultural movements. The global coffee trade expanded, with plantations established in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Today, coffee is a ubiquitous beverage, enjoyed by millions worldwide in various forms, from espresso to cold brew. Its journey from Ethiopian highlands to global brew underscores the power of cultural exchange and economic networks in shaping food destinies.