Coffee has been a popular drink for over a thousand years and now with the beginning of a new millenium, it will be more popular than ever! this is because of the unique flavors, aromas and qualities, coffee drinkers worldwide will continue to make it a favorite pastime within all cultures. The appeal of coffee has been ensured over the last few centuries through better Management and Roasting Techniques.

Coffea Arabica

The coffee bean was discovered in the Middle East. Being treated with the highest and almost holy regard, coffee has developed many facets to it's favor. From being the early morning revival brew to social customs, it is found now only a few steps away from each of us in our kitchens, shops, offices and restaurants almost ritually in a tradition that has taken centuries to evolve.

How was coffee discovered as a brew? No one can prove how, but it is believed that coffee was first consumed in Ethiopia. It is also beleived that it was the arabica strain that was first cultivated there in small scale around 575AD.

Although there are many stories, legends and myths about the origin of coffee, there is the most popular well known story about the goatherder, Kladi. One day he had noticed that his goats were more active than usual for no reason. On closer inspection he found that they had been grazing on the bushes which bore small round red fruit. Boldly he tried them himself after smelling the sweet aroma.

On the plant - Coffee Berries

Soon he was wide awake and full of a strange energy and the feeling of being uplifted and invigorated surprised him greatly. He took the fruit to the monastery thinking that a miracle had just occured, and told of his account to the Abbot. The Abbot instantly fearing the devil's work, flung the berries into the fire, whereupon a wonderfull and exotic aroma filled the air of the room.

As the aroma filled the room, the Abbot once again was inspired to beleive that this was a sign from God, as the aroma was pleasant, he then gave instructions for the berries to be removed from the fire immediately which several monks did by raking them out of the fire very swiftly indeed. As the berries were so hot, they immersed them in water to cool them.

After they had cooled the Abbot then set about examining both the charred berries and the water in which they were cooled in. He noticed also that the water had changed in color and again thinking this was a sign of God he very cautiously tasted the liquid.

Now the Abbot too, had this feeling of enlivenment and good feeling and so being convinced of a miracle he instructed the whole monastery that all the monks were to partake of it.