In the modern Western world, coffee, tea, and chocolate are viewed as daily necessities, found everywhere from convenience stores to chain restaurants to artisanal markets. These three caffeinated foodstuffs—all originally consumed as beverages—first made their way to Europe in the sixteenth century, awakening a continent accustomed to alcohol. Over the course of three centuries, these drinks became popular in different pockets of Europe; geography, religion, class, gender, and politics highly influenced these preferences. In this lecture, we will examine the rise of coffee, tea, and chocolate in early modern Europe and the consequences of their popularity.
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Earlier Event: October 1
Food and the Book: 1300-1800
Later Event: November 5
Food in Late Medieval English Literature