The Light and Dark Brew History of Coffee in Southeast Asia | History Southeast Asia

Hello historians and welcome. In this week's video, we explore the rich and bold history of the rise of coffee. Although commonly associated with the massive coffee producers of the 20th century, Brazil and Central America, coffee as a world commodity actually had its start in the highlands of Ethiopia before crossing the Arabian Sea to the famous port of Mocha in modern-day Yemen. From there, coffee consumption quickly spread alongside Islam around the Muslim World. Before Europeans started brewing their own coffee in the salons of Paris, Sultans, monks, and martial artists in Southeast had already developed a penchant for a strong brew. So, please join on another exciting history exploring Southeast Asian history and the region's role in the global spread of coffee.
For more information on the history of coffee in the Muslim World and Southeast Asia see:
Gregory Dicum, “Colony in a Cup,” Gastronomica 3, 2 (Spring 2023): 71-77.
Shane J. Barter, “Coffee: An Indian Ocean Perspective,” De Gruyer (2016)
David Bulbeck, Anthony Reid, Lay Cheng Tan, and Yiqi Wu, Southeast Asian Exports Since the 14th Century: Cloves, Pepper, Coffee, and Sugar (Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 1998).
Fernando E. Vega, “The Rise of Coffee,” American Scientist (March-April 2008).

[@causewaykayak]

This arrived just as I was retiring for the night. Thank you for posting me a breakfast time treat.

[@storiesinhistory]

Good morning! I hope you enjoy the video

[@causewaykayak]

That was SO interesting. That so simple a thing as a beverage can become a key part of global commodity trading. Oh, visualising the suffering of those compelled to cultivate such non native crops at the expense of pursuing their own time honoured agricultural styles. I am sure vast fortunes are still made in europe and america by the families still prominent in the trade. I shall reflect more widely on the human history and social cost next time I pause for a coffee break. Thank you !

[@storiesinhistory]

Glad you enjoyed @causwaykayak!

[@PolluxieVT]

すごい！

[@nickmat994]

Thanks to @stoichistorian for recommending this channel. Great video

[@storiesinhistory]

@stoichistorian has been a friend of the channel since less then 300 subs. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@theuniverse5173]

Hi

[@storiesinhistory]

Hiiya!