Kaldi and the dancing goats – The awakening of coffee in Ethiopia

(First chapter in a series of 6)

A journey to the mythical origins of coffee

Long before coffee was served in elegant porcelain cups or filtered with precision in designer machines, its history began in the mountainous hills of Ethiopia. According to the most popular legend, a young shepherd named Kaldi observed an unusual behavior in his goats: after consuming some red cherries from an unknown bush, they began to dance with unbridled energy. Intrigued, Kaldi decided to try the fruits for himself. The result: a sleepless night filled with sparkling ideas and a vibrant energy that seemed to flow through his veins.

Kaldi shared his discovery with a local monk, who initially disapproved of the fruit, throwing it into the fire. However, the irresistible aroma emanating from the roasted cherries captivated his curiosity. That was how the first preparation of coffee was born: by accident, by intuition and by passion. Soon, monks began to use this beverage to stay awake during long sessions of prayer and study. Coffee became not only a source of energy, but also a spiritual and social nexus.

 

A link between spirit and body

For us coffee lovers, this story is not just a myth. It is the reflection of the explorer spirit that drives us to discover new flavors, textures and experiences in each cup. It is the symbol of a beverage that connects us with our origins, with the land and with our deepest emotions.

This is how our journey begins: in the mountains of Ethiopia, where a dancing goat changed the course of history. And as in any good story, this is only the first sip of a journey that has just begun.

And what happened when coffee crossed the sea and arrived in Yemen?

Don’t miss the next episode: From Africa to Yemen – Coffee finds its voice in the city of Mocha.

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