Who invented coffee beans?

Coffee beans weren't invented! They are the seeds of the coffee plant, a naturally occurring species.

Here's how the story goes:

* Discovery: The exact origin of coffee consumption is debated, but it's widely believed that coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia. Legend says a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats becoming energized after eating berries from a specific tree. He shared the berries with monks, who found they helped them stay awake during long prayers.

* Cultivation and Spread: Coffee cultivation spread throughout the Middle East and eventually reached Europe in the 17th century.

So, while no one "invented" coffee beans, the discovery of their energizing properties and subsequent cultivation led to the beloved beverage we enjoy today.