Coffee as we know it has been around for at least 1,000 years. It’s thought that it was discovered in South Sudan & Ethiopia. Although the reality of coffee’s discovery isn’t as fun and catchy, there are several legends of how coffee was discovered. One of the more famous ones being the Legend of Kaldi. Who doesn't love a good legend, so I’m going to share this one with you today.
As the story goes, Kaldi, a young Ethiopian goat herder, stumbled upon an extraordinary scene one day. His goats, after nibbling on bright red berries from a mysterious tree, exhibited an unusual burst of energy. Intrigued by this unforeseen vigor, Kaldi decided to taste the berries himself.
In that moment, Kaldi experienced a surge of vitality and alertness. The discovery of these magical berries became a source of wonder and curiosity. Eager to share this with others, Kaldi brought the berries to a local monastery.
At the monastery, the monks, upon receiving the berries, found that they helped them stay awake and focused during long hours of prayer. Recognizing the divine connection between the berries and heightened spiritual awareness, they began to use the berries to create a drink.
While the story of Kaldi may be a charming myth, let's raise our cups to Kaldi's legacy—a tale of serendipity, discovery, and the enduring magic of coffee. Cheers to Kaldi and the enduring adventure of exploration!