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The Tim Ferriss Show

#698: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Coffee, The World’s Favorite Stimulant — Chemistry, History, and More

Oct 12, 2023
Dr. Mark Plotkin, an expert in plants, explores the ethno botany of coffee and its surprising connections to history. He discusses the significance of coffee as the most widely consumed mind-altering plant, its role in the Enlightenment and specialty coffee movement, and the process of creating Cockpunch Coffee.
01:16:23

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Coffee houses during the Enlightenment played a crucial role in the development and dissemination of knowledge and ideas.
  • Coffee belongs to the genus Coffea and is native to Africa and Madagascar.

Deep dives

The History and Cultural Significance of Coffee

Coffee has a rich and intriguing history, starting with its discovery by a goat herder named Khaldi in Ethiopia. It spread to the Arabian Peninsula and became popular among Sufis who used it to maintain concentration during prayer ceremonies. Coffee houses became centers of intellectual and social activity throughout Europe, including England and France. European powers recognized the economic potential of coffee and established plantations in their colonies, leading to the growth of the coffee industry. Coffee houses served as gathering places for scientists, businessmen, and writers, fostering the exchange of ideas and the development of revolutionary ideals. Coffee is botanically classified as Coffea Arabica, and the processing and roasting of its beans produce the popular beverage enjoyed worldwide.

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