The History of Coffee in Europe
The history of coffee was traced back in early 13th century in the Ethiopian regions, Yemen and Egypt. Although this is originally grown and proliferated in the 16th century and in the Middle East, it has spread out and reached Europe. From there, the historical background of coffee and its development has never been the same again. Coffee in Europe has been noted by the German physician botanist named Leonhard Rauwolf.
Coffee First Appeared In Italy
From the first mention of coffee in 1573, it was further described by other European travelers and was imported to Italy courtesy of the Ottoman Empire. Venice and the Muslims of North Africa, the East and Egypt actually included coffee in their trade. Venetian merchants contribute in the widespread popularity of coffee in the European regions. In fact, they have introduced coffee drinking as a great commodity especially to the wealthy people in Venice. In 1645, the famous and first ever coffee house in Europe was opened in Venice.
Coffee Spread Through Dutch & English Imports
Before coffee spread worldwide and reaches the US, the cultivation of coffee beans in Europe was popularized. Caffeinated beverage and the proliferation of coffee houses were popularized largely through the efforts and persistence of the Dutch East India Company and British East India Company. It is worth noting that through the course of coffee history, there was a time when women were banned from consuming coffee and going to coffee shops. This is quite prevalent in England although German women were still allowed to drink their favorite cup of java.
The Beverage Also Caught On In France
In France, the name Antoine Galland is synonymous to coffee, chocolate and tea especially in the introduction of coffee to the contemporary world through their writings. In his written accounts, Galland wrote that coffee was brought and introduced to Paris by a man named Mr. Thevenot. This man traveled through the East and was believed to give coffee beans to his friends who in turn gave them to Mr. de la Croix, the interpreter of the King of France, King Louis XIV.
Coffee Also Spread Through Austria & Eastern Europe
In Austria, the phenomenal opening of the coffeehouse in the country was recorded in 1683. This took place right after the Battle of Vienna. They introduced coffee through using the collated supplies they got from the defeated Turks. Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki was the Polish military officer from Ukraine who received the coffee beans and initiates the opening of the coffee house. He also introduced the use of milk and sugar to a cup of brew.
This popularization of coffee in Vienna, Austria was attributed to Kulczycki which was manifested through hanging his picture in the windows of most Viennese coffeehouses. Moreover, the famous Melange which is a typical Viennese coffee was created with the mixture of a glass of water and the hot foamed milk.
European culture would never be complete without coffee in their menu list. This celebrated caffeinated beverage is definitely one of the best realities in the history of Europe. Knowing coffee in European spectacles is a must for serious and passionate coffee aficionados.
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