Coffee is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, where legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic after eating the berries of a particular plant. He tried the berries himself and found that they also had an energizing effect. He brought the berries to a local monk who, after brewing and tasting them, discovered their stimulating properties as well. Word of the discovery spread, and coffee soon became popular in the region.
By the 15th century, coffee was being cultivated and traded throughout the Arabian Peninsula, where it became an important part of Islamic culture. Coffeehouses began to spring up in major cities, becoming centers of social and intellectual activity. From there, coffee spread to Europe and the rest of the world, eventually becoming one of the most popular beverages in the world. Today, coffee is grown and consumed on every continent and has become an important part of many cultures.
