The Legend of Kaldi and the Discovery of Coffee
According to the legend, the discovery of coffee dates back to the 9th century. The story begins in Ethiopia, where coffee plants still grow wild today. Kaldi was a goat herder in the 9th century. One day, while he was tending to his goats, he noticed that they became unusually energetic after eating the berries of a particular plant. Curious, Kaldi decided to try the berries for himself and discovered that they had a stimulating effect on him as well. He shared his discovery with the local monks, but the monk at first disapproved of their use and threw them into the fire, from which an enticing aroma billowed, causing other monks to come and investigate. The roasted beans were quickly raked from the embers, ground up, and dissolved in hot water, yielding the world's first cup of coffee. They intrigued by the plant's properties and began to experiment with it and then used it to make a drink that helped them stay awake during their long hours of prayer. The plant that they discovered was Coffea arabica, the species of coffee that is still grown and consumed today. The berries of the coffee plant are harvested, processed, and roasted to create the coffee that we know and love. Coffee quickly became popular in Ethiopia, and by the 16th century, it had spread to Yemen were it was first farmed and sold as a commodity from the port of Mocha. (Yes, today a coffee maker and a drink are named after the city).
The birth of coffee trade
Mocha is a city in Yemen that has a rich history in the coffee trade. The city was once a bustling port and a major centre of coffee production, where coffee was traded, roasted, and shipped to markets around the world. Mocha was a critical centre for the coffee trade during the 15th to the 18th century. It was here that Yemeni coffee, also known as Arabian coffee, was first cultivated, and the beans were highly sought after for their unique flavour and aroma. The coffee trade was a vital part of Mocha's economy, and the city became a hub for coffee merchants, traders, and roasters. The coffee trade in Mocha was conducted through the city's bustling port, where coffee beans were shipped out to markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The coffee trade brought immense wealth to the city, and Mocha became known as one of the most important centres of coffee production and trade in the world.
To know more about evolution coffee trade, read our post The three waves of coffee
The butterfly effect
The discovery of coffee by Kaldi and the monks is a fascinating tale that has captivated people for centuries. It is a testament to the power of curiosity and exploration, and the impact that a single discovery can have on the world. As the coffee industry continues to evolve, we can look back on this story as a reminder of the humble beginnings of one of the world's most beloved beverages.