October 1 is the International Coffee Day—a worldwide celebration of the favorite drink of many. Due to this, we would like to explore the history of coffee together with you. Read this article to find out more.

When Is International Coffee Day? Basic Info About the Holiday

International Coffee Day is celebrated on October 1 every year. The holiday is celebrated in 77 countries that are members of the International Coffee Organization. Naturally, other countries also celebrate this holiday, but they might do so on different days of the year.

Interestingly enough, International Coffee Day is a relatively new holiday. It was officially established only in 2015. Even if we look at the unofficial celebrations before that date, the term wasn’t used until 2009, and the first attempts at this holiday date back only to 2005.

How is International Coffee Day celebrated? Mostly with coffee festivals. However, it’s also a date used for educational purposes since many people are unaware of coffee’s health benefits.

The History of Coffee in a Nutshell

Coffee is known to have its roots in Ethiopia, where the first coffee plants were grown. This occurred specifically in the region of Kefa (Kaffa), which later gave the name of this drink. At the same time, we don’t have clear records of when coffee beans were discovered, with the first mentions dating back as far as the 9th century CE.

At some point in the 15th century, coffee beans were brought to Arabia and cultivated there. However, they were soon banned in Arabic countries, as they were labeled “intoxicating” due to the energizing effects of caffeine. The love for coffee then spread slowly until it reached Turkey.

The rise of the Ottoman Empire was a true game-changer for coffee. As the country expanded, so did the reach of this beverage. However, it was Venetian merchants who brought this drink to Europe in the 17th century. Since then, coffee has gained popularity up to its current level—when hundreds of thousands of people cannot imagine a day without drinking it.

international coffee day

Most Popular Coffee-Growing Regions

Knowing the history of coffee, let’s take a look at the modern times. What are the most popular and well-known coffee-growing regions in the world? Which one is labeled the best?

In general, we could divide the world into three main coffee-growing regions:

  • East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula,
  • Southeast Asia and the Pacific,
  • Latin America.

Due to different soil, climate, and processing methods, coffee from each area may vary significantly in taste. What’s more, while we presented you with three regions, you need to know that it is a generalization—certain countries are much more keen on growing coffee than others, namely:

  • Ethiopia,
  • Vietnam,
  • Indonesia,
  • Brazil,
  • Peru,
  • Ecuador.

We also need to mention that, despite being large producers, these countries may vary significantly in the types of coffee they grow. For instance, Vietnam is the world’s largest provider of robusta beans but isn’t a giant in growing arabica. What’s the difference between these two types?

  • Arabica—Grown at higher altitudes, this type of coffee has a much more refined taste but is harder to grow and provides a lower yield.
  • Robusta—Grown at lower altitudes, this coffee has a bit harsher flavor. At the same time, such coffee trees are resistant to diseases and provide higher yields.

The Takeaway

So, how are you planning to celebrate International Coffee Day? No matter whether you choose a classic espresso or experiment with a fancy, vanilla-flavored iced latte, we’re sure you’ll have fun. After all, that’s what this holiday is all about: indulging in mouthwatering coffee!

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