Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to discuss the history of coffee. Coffee originated in Ethiopia, where legend says a goat herder noticed his goats became energetic after eating certain berries. By the 15th century, coffee was being cultivated in Yemen, and by the 16th century, it had spread to Persia, Egypt, and Turkey. Interestingly, coffee was initially banned in some Islamic countries because it was considered intoxicating, but later it became popular. In Europe, coffeehouses emerged in the 17th century and became centers for intellectual exchange. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that coffee became a major commodity in the Americas, particularly in Brazil, which remains the largest producer today.
❓ According to the lecture, when did coffee first become a major commodity in the Americas?