History of coffee
Admittedly, many legends offer an often romanticized vision of the origins and discovery of coffee. Historians agree that coffee originated in Abyssinia (Ethiopia). As for Yemen, it is said to be the pioneer of its trade and consumption. NOROHY invites you to travel back in time and discover the historical traces left by this stimulating beverage. Let’s retrace the history of coffee through the centuries.
The origins of coffee
It’s true that specialists agree that coffee is an endemic plant of Ethiopia. In fact, it is said to have been introduced to Yemen around 575 by the Negus of Ethiopia (a noble title designating the king), before the Persian invasions.
In fact, coffee is so popular in this region that, around 1558, Al-Djarir, a jurist from Mecca, devoted an entire book to it, tracing its history. This work tells us that coffee was introduced to Yemen by Omar Al-Shàldhili, a member of a mystical brotherhood, following a stay with an Ethiopian Muslim prince in the Harar region, Saad al-Din. Since then, Saad al-Din has been regarded locally as the patron saint of coffee planters, distillers and drinkers.
Coffee in Yemen
According to Turkish literature, coffee trees were introduced to Yemen. More precisely, to the port of Aden by Ozdemir when it was conquered by Sulayman Pasha’s fleet in 1538.
Plantations multiplied and exports soon began. Coffee was shipped from Moka along the spice route to Cairo, Venice, Marseille, England and Holland.
A closer look at the history of coffee in two countries
Little by little, coffee was introduced to many territories: Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Brazil, Haiti, Cuba… Its cultivation spread around the globe between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. For 150 years, Brazil has been the world’s biggest coffee producer, producing over 3,558,000 tonnes in 2024.
For the sourcing of its coffee range, NOROHY has focused on 2 countries: Colombia and Ethiopia.
An extract of Colombian coffee
Colombia comes 3rd and is one of the few countries to produce only Arabica. The quality of its coffee caught the attention of NOROHY, who wanted to make the most of these exceptional aromas. So now you can flavour your chocolates, pastries, dishes or ice creams withorganic Colombian coffee extract!
A coffee paste from Ethiopia
Also discover NOROHY coffee bean paste. This organic coffee is hand-picked in the highlands of Ethiopia. The result is an intense coffee paste with fruity, tangy notes.