Before the coffee pot how did people ingest coffee?

Before the invention of the coffee pot, people ingested coffee in several different ways:

1. Boiling: This was the most common method. Coffee beans were roasted and ground, then boiled in water for an extended period. The resulting brew would be quite strong and often bitter. This method was practiced in the Middle East, where coffee originated, and spread to other parts of the world.

2. Steeping: Coffee was also steeped in hot water, similar to how tea is brewed. This method produced a milder, more delicate coffee.

3. Coffee Balls: A mixture of roasted coffee beans, sugar, and spices were formed into small balls. These balls would then be added to hot water or milk, and the coffee would slowly seep out. This method was popular in Europe and served as an early form of instant coffee.

4. "Coffee Syrup": Roasted and ground coffee was mixed with water and boiled until it became a thick syrup. This syrup could be diluted with water or milk to make coffee.

5. Coffee Tablets: This was a more refined method where roasted and ground coffee was pressed into solid tablets. These tablets were then dissolved in hot water to make coffee.

It's important to remember that these methods were not uniform. Different cultures and regions developed their own variations and preferences. The coffee pot, with its efficient brewing process, significantly changed the way coffee was consumed, making it more accessible and convenient for people around the world.