In Our Time Coffee
Dec 12, 2019
Judith Hawley, an expert in 18th Century Literature, Markman Ellis, a Scholar in 18th Century Studies, and Jonathan Morris, a Modern Historian, delve into coffee's intriguing history. They discuss its Ethiopian roots, the rise of coffee houses in Europe, and their role in social change. The conversation highlights the dark aspects of coffee's colonial past and the impact of trading powers like the Dutch and French. They also explore Brazil's emergence as a coffee powerhouse and how societal perceptions of coffee have evolved, intertwining addiction and culture.
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Coffee's Origins
- Coffee was first consumed as a snack, not a drink, by a goat herder who noticed his goats' frisky behavior after eating coffee berries.
- Religious men then adopted it for staying awake during prayers, spreading its use.
Non-Alcoholic Advantage
- Coffee's non-alcoholic nature was crucial for its spread, as it provided a sociable alternative to alcoholic beverages in business and trade settings.
- This made it suitable for work and negotiations.
Coffee House Boom
- The rapid growth of coffee houses in London (from 10 to 83 in a decade) was due to a confluence of factors.
- These factors include the Puritan government's hostility towards alcohol, coffee's addictive nature, and its association with trade.