History of Coffee in Ethiopia
Coffee originated in Ethiopia. The earliest evidence of coffee-drinking is from the 9th century AD when monks living on Mount Sinai drank coffee to stay awake while guarding manuscripts. Legend says coffee was discovered by a goatherd named Kaldi when he noticed his goats became frisky after chewing coffee berries.
Ethiopia accounts for around 17% of the global coffee market. The coffee plant, Coffea arabica, originates in Ethiopia. It is now grown worldwide. After originating in Ethiopia, coffee spread to Yemen. From Yemen it spread into Istanbul, Cairo, and Damascus.
The Legend of Kaldi
An Ethiopian legend says Kaldi first discovered coffee’s potential after noticing coffee berries energized his flock. Coffee trees grew wild in Ethiopian forests before cultivation and use as a beverage began in the 9th century. Ethiopians were already familiar with the beans and drink.
Debate on Coffee’s Origin
There is debate whether coffee originated in Ethiopia or Yemen. Each country has myths and facts regarding coffee’s origin. The popular Ethiopia legend goes like this: Kaldi, an 850 AD Ethiopian goat herder discovered coffee after observing his goats dancing excitedly after chewing red coffee berries. He tried some berries and soon felt joyful.
Conclusion
The coffee plant was first cultivated in Ethiopia, and coffee beans were first exported from there to Yemen. Yemeni traders then took coffee back to their homeland, where it quickly became a popular drink. Coffee beans were first imported to Europe in the 17th century, and they quickly became a staple of European culture.