Hey there, coffee lovers!
Back again today with this month’s exploration of coffee history and I am looking particularly at the types of coffee beans – light, medium and dark. When did we learn we could have varying tastes from different roast types?
In my exploration of coffee, I have learned a few tricks with grinding the different types of roasts. I am also leaning toward which one I like best – the Jury is still out on that.
If you have explored the different types of roasts, have you ever wondered how this difference was discovered? And when?
This post is a short history of the origins of roasting coffee beans, a practice that has been enjoyed for centuries.
The Legend of Kaldi
Our story begins in the highlands of Ethiopia, where legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi stumbled upon the coffee bean. Picture this: Kaldi noticed that his goats were prancing around energetically after munching on red coffee berries. Intrigued, he decided to taste the berries himself. The result? A delightful burst of energy! Excited about his discovery, Kaldi took the berries to a nearby monastery, where the monks brewed a drink from the coffee fruit. They found that it helped them stay alert during their long prayers. This is the first place coffee beans were transformed into another form – a drink.
Coffee Spreads Across Borders
While Kaldi’s story is charming, the journey of coffee didn’t stop there. By the 15th century, coffee had made its way to Yemen. Sufi monks began using it to stay awake during their nighttime prayers, leading to the birth of the first coffee rituals. This was also when roasting coffee beans started. Initially, the beans were roasted over open flames which increased the flavour and aroma.
As coffee’s popularity grew, coffee houses, known as qahveh khaneh, sprang up across the Middle East. These coffee houses became vibrant social hubs where people gathered to sip coffee, engage in lively conversations, and enjoy music. With each cup, the love for coffee spread further along trade routes to North Africa and to Europe.
The Birth of Roasting Techniques
The origin of who started roasting coffee beans is unclear but historians believe that roasting likely began in the mountainous regions of southern Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It’s thought that the practice developed when coffee branches were burned over fires, leading to the serendipitous discovery of roasting beans.
Historian Ian Berston links coffee roasting to a popular drink called qishr, made from boiled coffee husks. People likely experimented with roasting the leftover coffee bean byproducts, paving the way for the delicious roasted coffee we enjoy today.
By the 15th century, the Sarawat Mountains in present-day Saudi Arabia were bustling with coffee activity. The historian Abd Al Ghaffar documented the Sufi mystics roasting coffee beans and drinking the brew to enhance their alertness. Imagine those early mornings filled with the rich aroma of roasting coffee beans, setting the stage for the caffeine fix we love today!
Innovations in Roasting
As coffee houses spread in the Middle East and beyond, different types of roasting techniques were explored and invented. In the 17th century, the cylindrical coffee roaster operated by a hand crank was created in Cairo, Egypt. This invention created more even roasts and enhanced the flavours.
By the 19th Century, the Industrial Revolution brought changes. Large-batch coffee roasters were created, and new components were developed to help roasters keep track of their beans during the roasting process. Electric roasting machines followed shortly, making it safer and creating even more even roasts.
Today, we have advanced roasting technology that allows us to understand the beans at a chemical level. From single-origin selections to blends that cater to every palate, coffee has become a global phenomenon. However, traditional methods still hold a special place in many hearts. In the Sarawat mountains, coffee is grown and roasted over an open fire, creating a connection to the past that many cherish.
Coffee Culture Today
The love for coffee has become stronger over the years. We now have coffee shops on nearly every corner, serving everything from espressos to lattes and beyond. Coffee beans are celebrated for their unique flavour profiles, often influenced by the region they come from, the processing methods, and of course, the roasting technique.
As we sip our morning brew, let’s remember the journey that each coffee bean has taken to reach our cups. From the legends of Kaldi and the Sufi monks to the bustling coffee houses of today, roasting coffee beans has evolved into an art form that continues to delight our senses.
So, the next time you take a sip of your favourite coffee, think about its rich history and the centuries of tradition that have led to your perfect cup. Whether you prefer it strong, light, or flavoured, the world of coffee is filled with stories just waiting to be shared.
Here’s to the amazing journey of coffee beans and the joy they bring to our lives!
Until next time,
Happy Brewing.
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