How shepherd Kaldi discovered coffee and changed the world

Coffee is a widely consumed beverage around the world. It is enjoyed by billions of people every day for various reasons such as waking up, socializing, working, or relaxing. Have you ever been curious about how coffee was discovered and how it became an integral part of our culture? In this blog, I will share the story of the origin of coffee, which dates back to the ancient past, when a common shepherd made a discovery that would change the world

Kaldi and his miraculous goats

The story begins in the 9th century, in the Ethiopian hills, where a shepherd named Kaldi lived. Kaldi was daily taking care of his goats, leading them to graze on the green slopes. One day, he noticed something unusual: his goats were much more lively and energetic than usual. They did not get tired even after a long walk, but they jumped and played without stopping. Kaldi was confused and curious: what was so special that his goats ate?

He followed his goats and saw that they were feeding on red fruits from a tree that he did not recognise. He decided to try those fruits himself, hoping that they would give him the same energy as his goats. And he was right: after he ate a few berries, he felt his head clear and his mood rise. He was delighted with this discovery, which enriched his everyday life.

Kaldi and his local priest

Kaldi could not contain his excitement. He wanted to share his discovery with others, particularly with his local priest, who was the spiritual leader of his community. Kaldi brought some fruits to the priest and told him about their unusual effects on him and his goats. However, the priest was unimpressed. On the contrary, he was sceptical and suspicious. He thought that those fruits were impure and that they came from an evil spirit. He refused to try them and even threw them into the fire, intending to destroy them. What happened next was unexpected. Instead of burning, the fruits emitted a pleasant aroma that caught the attention of the priest and Kaldi. They were coffee beans, roasted on the fire. The priest and Kaldi were curious and decided to try this new drink made from roasted coffee beans. And they were amazed. They felt the same energy and alertness as from raw fruits but with an even better taste and aroma. The priest changed his mind and realized that those fruits were a blessing, not a curse. He decided to use them for his night prayers to stay awake and focused

Kaldi and his impact on the world

This story about Kaldi and the priest did not remain just a local legend. On the contrary, it became known all over the world, as the beginning of the rich history and culture of coffee. Coffee quickly spread from Ethiopia to neighbouring countries, such as Yemen, Arabia and Egypt, where it became popular among merchants, travellers, scholars and mystics. Coffee also reached the caliph, the highest leader of the Muslim world, who was fascinated by its effects and declared it a drink that brought clarity of mind and spiritual awakening.

Coffee continued its journey through the centuries and continents, reaching Europe, Asia and America, where it won the hearts and palates of millions of people. Coffee became a symbol of social gathering, cultural exchange, intellectual progress and creative expression. Coffee inspired artists, writers, musicians, scientists, politicians and revolutionaries. Coffee became part of our identity, our way of life, our pleasure.

Kaldi and us

Today, when we drink a cup of coffee, we can remember this legend about Kaldi and his discovery. We can thank this shepherd, who accidentally found the fruits that would change the world. We can admire his curiosity, courage and determination, which led him to explore and share his discovery. We can connect with his passion, which sparked the coffee culture that encompasses every corner of the world.

I hope you liked this blog about the legend of the origin of coffee. If you liked it, please share it with your friends and follow me for more interesting stories about coffee. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to write to me in the comments. Thank you for reading and enjoy your cup of coffee!