Who Discovered Coffee? The Legend of Kaldi and His Goats
The history of coffee is surrounded by myths, but one of the most famous is the legend of Kaldi, the Ethiopian shepherd who is said to have discovered coffee's energizing effects. This narrative has been told for centuries and is widely accepted as the first reference to the use of the Coffea arabica plant. But is this story real? Let’s explore the facts behind this famous legend.
Kaldi and the Discovery of Coffee
According to tradition, Kaldi was a young shepherd who lived in the region of Abyssinia, present-day Ethiopia, in the 9th century. Every day, he would take his goats to graze in the lush, mountainous hills of the region. One day, Kaldi noticed that his flock was more restless than usual, jumping and running without showing signs of fatigue.
Intrigued, he observed that the goats were chewing small red berries from an unknown shrub. Driven by curiosity, Kaldi decided to try the berries himself and, to his surprise, felt an instant boost of energy and alertness.
Excited by his discovery, Kaldi took the berries to a nearby monk, who used them to prepare an infusion. After drinking the mixture, the monk realized that he could stay awake longer during his nighttime prayers. News of the beverage’s effects spread quickly, marking the beginning of coffee’s popularization.
The Truth Behind the Legend
Although Kaldi’s story is widely told, there are no historical records to confirm his existence. The first account of this legend only appeared in the 17th century when it was documented by European travelers.
However, even if Kaldi may be a fictional character, Ethiopia is indeed the birthplace of coffee. The Coffea arabica plant is native to the region, and evidence suggests that local tribes had been using its berries for centuries, chewing them for energy during long journeys.
Yemen’s Role in Coffee’s Popularization
While Ethiopia is the botanical origin of coffee, it was in Yemen, in the 15th century, that the beverage began to be prepared similarly to modern coffee. The Sufis, a mystical branch of Islam, used the roasted bean infusion to stay awake during prolonged prayers.
Yemen’s ports, especially Mocha, played a crucial role in coffee’s export, spreading the beverage throughout the Islamic world and, later, to Europe and the rest of the world.
Conclusion: Myth or Reality, Coffee Changed the World
Kaldi’s story may be just a legend, but it captures the curious and fascinating spirit behind coffee’s discovery. Regardless of its authenticity, the fact remains that this beverage has played a crucial role in human history, influencing cultures, economies, and daily habits.
Today, coffee continues to be a global passion, and its legendary origin only adds a touch of magic to the daily ritual of millions of people.
