By Jane M Bell
Where did all this coffee stuff start anyway? Hmm...There are many legendary tales about how coffee was discovered.
The most popular legend is of Kaldi, a goatherd from Abyssinian (some legends say he was from Ethiopia). While out faithfully watching his herd on the rocky mountain slopes, Kaldi noticed his typically docile goats had suddenly become extremely active and lively. Curious and amused by the behavior of his flock, Kaldi investigated what was causing this drastic change in his goats behavior. After a little observation, Kaldi noticed that the lively goats were eating bright red berries off a near by plant.
After trying the berries, Kaldi was amazed that he felt uplifted and invigorated. Kaldi, excited by his new discovery took his find to a local Muslim Holy Man from a Monastery.
Some legends say the Holy Man feared the berries were "Devil's work" and cast them into the fire to dispose of them. When the wonderful coffee roasting aroma filled the air he became convinced that this must be "God's work." Ordering that the beans be rescued from the fire, the beans were mixed with water so that all the monks in the monastery could partake in this "miracle of God!"
Another version of the legend suggests that the Holy Man himself tried the berries. Although he was not fond of the bitter taste of the berries, he did find himself alert and energetic. In an effort to improve the flavor of the berries, he roasted the berries, crushed them and boiled them in water.
It is suggested however, that the actual roasting and boiling of coffee in water didn't start until about AD 1000. But that is fodder for another post. Coffee from the Beginning: Part 2
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