Sip into History: The Origins and Uses of Coffee and the World’s Most Expensive Beans

Saranyan Senthivel
4 min readJan 26, 2023

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Photo by Mike Kenneally on Unsplash

This story is part of a series that I am starting “What I learnt today !”. I was wondering this topic when I was having my daily coffee today. Where did it originate from & how in the world someone discovered it uses.

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, with millions of people starting their day with a hot cup of joe. But where did this beloved drink come from, and how has it evolved over time? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of coffee and its various uses, as well as explore the world of expensive coffee beans.

The origins of coffee can be traced back to the ancient kingdom of Ethiopia, where legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats becoming unusually energetic after eating berries from a certain bush. Intrigued, Kaldi tried the berries himself and was struck by their energizing effects. He shared his discovery with the local monks, who began to use the berries to make a beverage that would help them stay awake during long religious ceremonies.

Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash

From Ethiopia, the use of coffee spread to the Islamic world, where it was first used for medicinal purposes. It was then introduced to the Mediterranean, Europe, and eventually the Americas. During the 18th and 19th centuries, coffee became a major export for countries in Central and South America, such as Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Today, coffee is grown in more than 60 countries around the world.

Coffee has many uses, besides being a popular beverage. It can also be used as a flavoring for food, such as ice cream and liqueurs, and it’s even used in some beauty products. In addition, coffee grounds can be used as a fertilizer for plants, and in some places, the spent grounds are used as a source of fuel.

But not all coffee is created equal. Some beans are considered to be more rare and expensive than others. The most expensive coffee in the world is known as Kopi Luwak, which is made from beans that have been eaten and then excreted by the civet cat. The beans are collected from the feces of the civet, cleaned, and then roasted. This process is labor-intensive and results in a small quantity of beans, making Kopi Luwak very expensive.

Another expensive type of coffee is Black Ivory, which is made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by elephants. The beans are collected, cleaned and roasted, resulting in a unique and smooth flavor. Hacienda La Esmeralda, a Panamanian coffee, is also considered one of the most expensive coffees in the world due to its unique and exclusive flavor profile.

In conclusion, coffee has a rich history that spans centuries and continents, and it continues to be an important part of daily life for millions of people around the world. From its humble origins in Ethiopia to its current status as a global commodity, coffee has come a long way. And while not all coffee is equally expensive, the world’s most sought-after beans offer a unique and indulgent experience for those willing to pay the price.

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Saranyan Senthivel
Saranyan Senthivel

Written by Saranyan Senthivel

I believe writing is not only a way for me to improve my vocabulary and grammar, also a way for me to learn from others and continue to grow as a professional

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