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Coffee: The forbidden fruit that woke up the world!

Written by Sara Aquino
Published 22/03/2025 às 19:37
Discover the fascinating origins of coffee, from Ethiopia to your cup. Explore the history, climate challenges and future of this ancient beverage!
Photo: Canva

Discover the fascinating origins of coffee, from Ethiopia to your cup. Explore the history, climate challenges and future of this ancient beverage!

Coffee, more than just a drink, is a link that connects cultures, awakens passions and drives the global economy. Its history, woven with legends and marked by climatic challenges, reveals a fascinating journey, from the highlands of Etiópia to the steaming cups that warm homes and offices in every corner of the planet.

Legendary roots and global expansion

The coffee saga begins in the 9th century, in the mountains of Ethiopia, where the shepherd Kaldi, intrigued by the energetic behavior of his goats after consuming the red fruits of a bush, discovered the stimulating properties of the plant.

From this revelation, coffee began its journey, first through the Arabian Peninsula, where its cultivation and consumption intensified, and then to the rest of the world.

In the 15th century, coffee was already appreciated in Meca and Constantinople, giving rise to the first coffee houses, centers of meeting and intellectual debate.

From there, the drink conquered Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, adapting to different tastes and customs, and spread across the continents, becoming one of the most valuable commodities in the world.

Coffee's vulnerability to climate change:

Coffee production, especially from Arabica variety, is extremely sensitive to climatic conditions. The plant requires a mild subtropical climate, with stable temperatures and regular rainfall.

However, climate change has caused extreme events, such as prolonged droughts, frosts and torrential rains, which directly affect production.

Brazil and Vietnam, the world's largest coffee producers, have suffered from the intensification of these climate events.

In Brazil, the 2024 drought negatively impacted the harvest, while in Vietnam, the prolonged drought reduced production by 20%.

These events, which are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, threaten the stability of production and the price of coffee, which has risen worldwide.

The future of coffee and the search for sustainability

A Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warns of the need to adapt to climate change in coffee production.

The development of more resistant varieties and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices are essential to guarantee food security and the continuity of this ancient tradition.

In addition to climate challenges, coffee production faces other issues, such as the exploitation of rural workers and deforestation.

The search for a fairer and more sustainable coffee, which respects the environment and workers' rights, is essential to guarantee the future of the drink.

Coffee, more than just a drink, is a symbol of culture and social connection. Its history, from Ethiopian legends to modern coffee shops, reflects humanity's journey and search for flavors and experiences.

Protecting this tradition is a global challenge that requires action and awareness to ensure that future generations can enjoy the aroma and taste of coffee.

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Sara Aquino

General Pharmacist and Writer. I write about Jobs, Courses, Science, Technology and Energy. Passionate about reading, writing and music.

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