When did humans first begin drinking coffee?
Question from Rosie Kay
The first known reference to drinking coffee was made in 900 CE in an Arabic medical textbook. However, it wasn’t until the 15th century that the coffee industry took off in the Arabian Peninsula.
Coffee houses became popular as places where people could drink, gossip and listen to music. These social hubs eventually spread throughout Europe, where coffee received mixed reviews.
In 17th-century Venice it was declared ‘the bitter invention of Satan’ until Pope Clement VIII gave the beverage his official approval.
Answered by Jodie Tyley for Brain Dump in How It Works issue 116.
To feature in our Brain Dump section, send us your questions to howitworks@futurenet.com or message us on Facebook or Twitter
For more science and technology articles, pick up the latest copy of How It Works from all good retailers or from our website now. If you have a tablet or smartphone, you can also download the digital version onto your iOS or Android device. To make sure you never miss an issue of How It Works magazine, subscribe today!
