are anything like me you probably haven't, for the simply reason you are too
engrossed unwinding and enjoying the rich aroma and taste to bother with any of
the technical side of the brew. The deepest I have ever gone when I have a cup
of the rich umber beverage in my hand is to let my mind drift off with the
floating steam.The information on the wrapper might tell you a bit about the
beans you're drinking but believe me there is so much more to the story of how
coffee drinking came to be so popular the world over. The history behind this
little roasted and ground bean is fascinating. From the pre-Columbian tribes to
the modern drive-thru and Starbuck's cafes, coffee has grown from a simple
discovery to total sophistication.One of the little know facts about coffee is
that is was first discovered by the South American Indians well before the
discovery of the New World. Its stimulating properties were soon recognised as
it helped the tribe's people to deal with the high altitudes, and for this alone
it became very popular. Then after the Spanish Conquistadores arrived the green
seeds (commonly but incorrectly called coffee beans) found their way into
western history and the coffee culture was extended across the globe.When the
Spanish came to the New World, they were searching for cities of gold but
instead they discovered other abundant resources and new products that they
could trade with the whole of Europe. Chocolate and tobacco as well as coffee
rapidly became sort after and famous throughout the continent.History tells us
that the first cafeteria was opened in 1475 in Constantinople at a place called
Kiva Han. Following its success more coffee houses sprang up, serving hot coffee
beverages with a side of gossip or politics. The coffee club was born.Popularity
of the beverage among the common folk didn't reach any significance until the
Americans came along. The reason for this was that most workers were just too
busy to sit around sipping their favourite coffee brew while discussing the
great discoveries of the “Age of Reason”. However once the general population
were introduced to the new hot beverage the custom spread like wild fire. This
event saw methods of mass production develop which fortunately made coffee more
affordable. Now nearly everyone could afford a daily indulgence.Instant coffee
became popular during the World Wars even though it had been developed much
earlier. Initially the unrefined method of boiling the coffee down until the
oils solidified out, left it with a burnt and rancid taste which put most people
off. It wasn't unit a new method for extracting the oils was developed that the
instant variety of coffee which is fairly similar to what we have now became a
popular choice.This is just a small glimpse of the history of how the coffee
beverage has travelled around the world to where you are now.