Coffee

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Coffee was imported from the Middle East since the early 17th century, traded by the Venetians. By the end of the 17th century the Dutch traded in it heavily, growing the product in the Dutch East Indies.

Coffee was cheaper than Tea, and more caffeinated than Chocolate, making it a positive stimulant used as an anti-depressant. It also did not induce hangovers which made it preferable over alcoholic beverages. It was also said that coffee held medical properties as one contemporary observed that coffee 'cannot but be an incomparable remedy to dissolve crudities, comfort the brain, and dry up ill humors in the stomach. In brief, to prevent or redress, in those that frequently drink it, all cold drowsy rheumatic distempers whatsoever, that proceed from excess of moisture, which are so numerous, that but to name them would tire the tongue of a mountebank.'

Coffee was consumed in coffee houses, and thus the exclusive terrain of men.

Price: 5s for 1lb of coffee