The discovery of the coffee bean

Origin and discovery in Ethiopia

According to legend, the story of coffee began with its discovery in "Kaffa," a region in present-day Ethiopia. A tale written down in 1671 recounts that coffee was discovered in the 9th century by a shepherd named Kaldi. While traveling with his goats, he noticed that the animals became unusually lively and energetic after eating from a bush with dark green leaves and yellow to red berries.

Curiosity led Kaldi to take the stimulating "magic berries" to a nearby monastery to have their effects explained by the monks. Considered a diabolical temptation, the monks threw the berries into the fire. However, the intoxicating aroma of roasted coffee finally moved them to rescue the beans from the flames and brew the world's first coffee.

In Kaffa, raw coffee cherries were eaten from early times, or a chewy paste was made from pulped beans and animal fat. In Ethiopia, coffee is still called "buna" today. The name "coffee" is likely derived from the Arabic "qahwa" (wine/drink) or "kachve" (strengthening). The name "kaveh," commonly used in Turkey today, also originates from Arabic.

Reinvention in Arabia

Around the year 1000, the Arabs first began roasting, grinding, and boiling the beans with water. The first commercial coffee plantation was established in what is now Yemen.

Up until the 11th century, different parts of the plant were used in different ways:

• Raw coffee cherries were eaten.
• Green beans cooked as a broth
• processed with animal fat to make edible molasses

From its discovery in Africa to its refinement into espresso in Italy, coffee has a long and fascinating history.

Summary

The coffee bean originated in Ethiopia, was brought to the world via Arabia, and eventually became the beverage we know today. Numerous legends and historical events make the history of coffee particularly fascinating.