How Italian Espresso Was Invented and the Coffee Discovery Myths

You’re sipping your espresso or latte today without thinking much about how people first figured out how to make coffee drinkable — let alone fast. But back when coffee first arrived in Europe, no one had a machine. Brewing took forever. So what changed? And how did we even start drinking coffee in the first place?

The first Italian espresso was invented in the early 1900s by an impatient engineer near Naples, who developed a high-pressure, high-temperature method to brew coffee faster than traditional drip or boiling methods. That’s how espresso was born. As for coffee itself, two major legends explain its discovery: one involves a goat herder in Ethiopia, and the other an exiled Muslim cleric in Yemen.

The Accidental Espresso: A Frustrated Engineer’s Breakthrough

In the early 20th century, just outside Naples, Italy, a restless coffee shop owner — described as an engineer — grew tired of slow drip brewing. He wanted his coffee faster. While waiting, he experimented with boiling water under high pressure. This innovation led to the creation of the very first Italian-style espresso: a quick, concentrated shot of coffee made possible by intense heat and pressure. That’s the origin of the espresso we know today.

The Legend of the Dancing Goats: Ethiopia’s Coffee Origin Story

One of the most popular origin myths takes us to 16th-century Ethiopia. A goat herder named Kaldi noticed his flock behaving unusually energetically after eating bright red berries from a bush. Curious, he tried the fruit himself and felt a similar burst of energy. This led to the realization that the beans from these berries could be used to create a stimulating drink. This story is often referred to as the Christian discovery narrative of coffee.

The Monk and the Singing Bird: The Islamic Coffee Discovery

Another widely told legend originates in 1258 in Yemen. A man named Sheikh Omar, exiled from his home in Mocha, wandered starving until he reached the village of Ousab. Tired and desperate, he rested under a tree and observed birds eating red fruits while singing beautifully. He tried the fruits himself, boiled them in water, and discovered a richly aromatic, energizing drink. This tale is considered part of the Islamic narrative around coffee’s discovery. After this experience, Omar returned home and shared the drink, eventually leading to coffee cultivation in the region.

From Wild Berries to Global Staple: How Coffee Spread

Though the details are mythologized, both stories highlight coffee’s roots in Ethiopia, where the plant is native. From these legends, coffee moved across the Red Sea to Yemen, where it was cultivated more widely. By the 15th century, it had spread to the Arabian Peninsula, and by the 16th century, it reached the rest of the Middle East, Turkey, and eventually Europe. The method of preparation evolved regionally, culminating in the pressurized extraction method engineered in Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who first invented espresso and when?

The first espresso was invented in the early 1900s by an unnamed engineer near Naples, Italy. Frustrated with the slow speed of traditional drip coffee, he developed a method using high temperature and pressure to brew coffee faster. This led to the creation of the modern espresso.

What is the Ethiopian coffee legend about?

The Ethiopian legend tells of a goat herder named Kaldi who noticed his goats became energetic after eating red berries. When he tried them, he felt the same boost. This led to the discovery of coffee’s stimulating effects and its use as a drink. It’s considered the Christian-origin version of coffee’s discovery.

What happened in the story of Sheikh Omar and the coffee bird?

Sheikh Omar, exiled and starving, found himself revived after eating red berries from a tree and boiling them into a drink. Birds were seen eating the same fruit and singing beautifully. This discovery led him to bring coffee back to his community, contributing to its spread in the Islamic world, especially around Mocha in Yemen.

Why is the Italian method of making coffee different?

The Italian method, particularly espresso, uses high pressure and temperature to extract coffee quickly. This was a deliberate engineering solution to reduce brewing time compared to slow drip or boiling methods. It resulted in a concentrated shot of coffee with crema on top, unique to espresso.

Where did coffee originally come from?

Coffee originated in Ethiopia, where the coffee plant grows naturally. According to legend, its energizing properties were first discovered there. From Ethiopia, coffee spread to Yemen and then across the Middle East and into Europe.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Coffee History Fans

Explore the roots of coffee with FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, known for its bright acidity, floral notes, and juicy body — a great tribute to coffee’s Ethiopian origins. Pair it with FrontStreet’s Guatemala Antigua for a spicy, chocolatey contrast that reflects how coffee evolved across continents. For a deeper dive, try the Kenya AB — vibrant and complex with tart berry notes. All three showcase the diversity that emerged after coffee’s legendary discovery. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.