The Myth Behind Coffee: A Journey Through Time

Coffee, a beloved beverage around the world, is more than just a drink. It’s an experience, a tradition, and a story that has transcended time and cultures. At Myth & Legend, we are passionate about crafting memorable encounters with every cup. But to truly appreciate the magic in your mug, it's essential to understand the origin of coffee.

The Ethiopian Legend

The story of coffee’s discovery is as enchanting as the beverage itself. According to legend, coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi in the 9th century. Kaldi noticed his goats became unusually energetic after eating berries from a certain tree. Intrigued, he tried the berries himself and felt the same invigorating effects. Excited by his discovery, Kaldi shared the berries with a local monastery. The monks made a drink with the berries and found that it kept them alert during long hours of prayer. This unexpected find marked the beginning of coffee's journey from Ethiopia to the rest of the world, highlighting the coffee origins in the Ethiopian highlands.

Coffee's Voyage to the Arabian Peninsula

From Ethiopia, coffee made its way across the Red Sea to the Arabian Peninsula. By the 15th century, coffee was being cultivated in the Yemeni district of Arabia and had gained popularity as a stimulating beverage. Coffeehouses, known as qahveh khaneh, began to appear in cities across the Near East. These coffeehouses were not just places to enjoy a cup of coffee; they became social hubs where people gathered to chat, listen to music, watch performances, and discuss politics. Due to their significant social role, coffeehouses earned the nickname “Schools of the Wise.” This spread marked an important chapter in the origin of coffee. 

Spreading Across Europe

Coffee’s entry into Europe was met with a mix of skepticism and enthusiasm. Initially, it was considered a "bitter invention of Satan" by some clergy until Pope Clement VIII tasted it and gave it his approval, saying it should be baptized. By the 17th century, coffee had spread across Europe, and coffeehouses started to spring up in major cities. Much like in the Near East, these European coffeehouses became centers of social activity and communication. Famous coffeehouses in London, such as Lloyd's, eventually evolved into key business hubs, influencing trade and commerce. This period marks an important phase in coffee origins narrative. 

Arrival in the Americas

Coffee plants were transported to the Americas in the early 18th century, where they thrived in the tropical climates of the Caribbean, Central, and South America. Brazil emerged as a coffee powerhouse, rapidly becoming the largest producer of coffee in the world by the mid-19th century. Today, countries like Colombia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica are also renowned for their high-quality coffee beans, contributing significantly to the global coffee industry.This expansion furthered the origin of coffee story across new continents. 

Coffee Today, Enjoy a Cup With Myth & Legend

Fast forward to the present, and coffee has become an integral part of modern life. It's hard to imagine a day without a visit to a coffeehouse or the comforting ritual of brewing a fresh pot at home. At Myth & Legend Coffee House, we honor this rich history by meticulously crafting every cup to ensure our customers experience the magic and wonder embedded in each sip, a tradition rooted in the coffee origins. 

Our locations in Cumming, GA, Johns Creek, GA, and St. Augustine, FL, are designed to be places of discovery and inspiration. We invite you to join us and immerse yourself in the Myrthica experience—a unique blend of quality coffee, warm ambiance, and heartfelt connections that linger long after your visit.

So, the next time you enjoy your favorite brew, take a moment to reflect on its storied past. From the Ethiopian highlands to the bustling coffeehouses of today, coffee continues to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. At Myth & Legend, we are proud to be a part of this timeless tradition, creating new stories with every cup, each sip a nod to the coffee origins that have shaped the world.