Welcome on board Rogaland Kaffehus! ⚓️
We are proud of our partnership with Rogaland Kaffehus and their locally produced coffee, which has roots in Stavanger’s rich trading traditions. As a Bronze Partner in the Stagseilet Jageren on the Restauration Crossings200 voyage, we carry on the legacy – both through Restauration, emigrant history, ship art and coffee culture.
See Rogaland Kaffehus website.
Coffee on board Restauration – a taste of home! ☕️
Did you know that coffee was already a popular commodity in Norway in the early 1800s? In 1825, the year the emigrant ship Restauration sailed from Stavanger to America, it is highly likely that the skipper, crew and other emigrants enjoyed this sought-after beverage on board. According to Martin Hagset, who has written a master’s thesis on coffee imports in the period 1694-1854, it is very realistic that coffee was part of the voyage. Stavanger only imported 1 ton of coffee that year, but it was a valuable and highly valued commodity. The average consumption per Norwegian was around 0.704 kg in 1829 – a clear sign of coffee’s growing popularity! By 1835, coffee imports in Western Norway had increased to 109 tons. At that time, coffee was also boiled on the grist several times to get the most out of the coffee drink.
Coffee not only brought warmth on cold days, but also a taste of home for those who dared to leave Norway for a new life across the Atlantic.
Coffee’s journey through time – from Stavanger to America! ☕️
The coffee trade in Stavanger has deep roots. At Skagen 18, in the heart of the city, there has been lively trade for generations. Fred Hansen, known for his quality Gullkant coffee, continued this tradition in the historic trading house, which has been filled with everything from wine and cigars to art and culture. Even Alexander Kielland was a frequent guest in this house.
Welcome aboard Rogaland Kaffehus – where tradition, culture and history meet! ⚓️
Yes, coffee has had a fascinating history, and its path from an exclusive luxury item to a common drink has been characterized by cultural, economic and social changes. Here’s a historical look at coffee, focusing on its status as an indulgent beverage for the rich, various bans, and the gradual transition to becoming part of everyday life for most people:
Coffee as a luxury item for the rich
When coffee was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century, it was considered an exotic and luxurious beverage. It came to Europe via trade routes from the Middle East and Africa, and the first coffee houses were established in cities like Venice and London. In the beginning, it was mainly the elite – nobles, merchants and scholars – who had access to coffee. Its high price was due not only to transportation costs, but also to the fact that it had to be imported from remote areas such as Yemen and later from coffee plantations in the Dutch colonial empire.
Coffee quickly became popular in intellectual circles, and coffee houses became important meeting places for discussions on politics, science and literature. In cities like London and Paris, these coffee houses were nicknamed “penny universities” because a cup of coffee gave access to learned conversations. In the 18th century in the Nordic countries, including Norway, it was primarily the bourgeoisie who could afford to drink coffee, which made the drink a status symbol.
Coffee under ban and suspicion
Coffee has also been subject to opposition and bans, particularly from authorities and religious groups who regarded it as suspicious or dangerous. In several Muslim countries, where coffee first emerged, the drink was periodically banned. For example, coffee was banned in Mecca in the 16th century, partly because of its stimulating effects, but also because coffee houses became places where people gathered and discussed politics, making the authorities nervous about riots.
In Europe, there were also periods of skepticism about coffee. In Sweden in the 18th century, King Gustav III attempted to restrict coffee drinking. He believed that coffee was detrimental to health and even tried to prove this through a medical experiment in which two twins drank coffee and tea respectively to see who lived longer. Yet such measures proved ineffective, as coffee continued to grow in popularity.
Coffee for the common man – part of everyday life
During the 18th and 19th centuries, coffee changed its status from a luxury item to becoming more accessible to ordinary people. The industrial revolution played an important role in making coffee cheaper and more accessible. At the same time, coffee production began to increase dramatically due to the expansion of coffee plantations in colonies such as Brazil and the Caribbean, which became world leaders in coffee production. Global trade in coffee increased and prices began to fall.
In Norway, as in many other countries, coffee gradually became a part of everyday life for the common man in the 19th century. Access to cheaper coffee meant that not only the rich, but also ordinary workers could enjoy a cup. Coffee became an important element in the Norwegian household, and the strong tradition of coffee drinking that we know today began to take hold. In the countryside, it was common to boil coffee on the griddle several times to get the most out of the precious beverage.
Coffee for the common man – part of everyday life
During the 18th and 19th centuries, coffee changed its status from a luxury item to becoming more accessible to ordinary people. The industrial revolution played an important role in making coffee cheaper and more accessible. At the same time, coffee production began to increase dramatically due to the expansion of coffee plantations in colonies such as Brazil and the Caribbean, which became world leaders in coffee production. Global trade in coffee increased and prices began to fall.
In Norway, as in many other countries, coffee gradually became a part of everyday life for the common man in the 19th century. Access to cheaper coffee meant that not only the rich, but also ordinary workers could enjoy a cup. Coffee became an important element in the Norwegian household, and the strong tradition of coffee drinking that we know today began to take hold. In the countryside, it was common to boil coffee on the griddle several times to get the most out of the precious beverage.
Social significance and the culture of coffee
As coffee became more accessible to all walks of life, it evolved into a social drink, often associated with socializing and hospitality. In Norwegian homes, both in the cities and in the countryside, it became common to serve coffee to guests. This was not only a gesture of hospitality, but also a sign that the host was taking part in a modern and increasingly globalized world.
Coffee also became an important part of the workers’ diet. The stimulating effect of caffeine made it a popular choice among people who had physically demanding jobs, as it could help keep their energy levels up. In Norway, it was also common for workers to have a “coffee break”, a tradition that has survived to today’s “morning coffee” or “kaffekos”.
Coffee’s journey from an exclusive luxury item for the rich to an everyday drink for everyone has been a reflection of both economic changes and social divides that were erased over time. Prohibition and skepticism notwithstanding, today coffee is an indispensable part of life for people all over the world.
Today, the average Norwegian drinks around 9-10 kg of coffee per year, making Norway one of the countries with the highest coffee consumption in the world. This corresponds to about 3-4 cups of coffee per day per person. Norway imports approximately 45,000 tons of coffee annually. This includes both green coffee (unroasted) and roasted coffee. The country has one of the highest per capita coffee consumption rates in the world, and these imports cover demand from both private individuals and businesses.
The same goes for the skipper, crew and guests on the Restauration Crossings200 voyage!